Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention in 2025

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Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention in 2025

Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention in 2025

Updated: October 2025 | Category: Oral Health & Wellness

🔍 Introduction

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that develop inside the mouth. They can appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, or palate. Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious. While most heal within 1–2 weeks, recurrent or severe ulcers may signal underlying health issues. This article explores causes, symptoms, treatments, prevention strategies, and diet tips for managing mouth ulcers in 2025.

📌 What Are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are round or oval sores with a white, yellow, or gray center and a red border.

They can cause discomfort while eating, drinking, or speaking. There are three main types:

  • Minor Ulcers: Small, shallow, heal in 1–2 weeks.
  • Major Ulcers: Larger, deeper, may last several weeks and leave scars.
  • Herpetiform Ulcers: Clusters of tiny ulcers that may merge into larger sores.

⚠️ Causes of Mouth Ulcers

  • Trauma: Biting the cheek, aggressive brushing, braces, or dentures.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, folate, iron, or zinc.
  • Stress & Hormonal Changes: Emotional stress, menstruation, or pregnancy.
  • Food Sensitivities: Spicy, acidic, or salty foods; allergies to toothpaste ingredients (e.g., SLS).
  • Medical Conditions: Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, lupus, Behçet’s disease.
  • Infections: Viral (herpes simplex), bacterial, or fungal infections.
  • Medications: NSAIDs, beta-blockers, chemotherapy drugs.
  • Genetics: Family history of recurrent ulcers.

🩺 Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

  • Painful sores inside the mouth
  • Redness and swelling around the ulcer
  • Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking
  • Burning or tingling sensation before ulcers appear
  • In severe cases: fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue

💊 Treatment Options

  1. Home Remedies: Saltwater rinses, baking soda paste, honey application, aloe vera gel.
  2. Over-the-Counter: Antimicrobial mouthwashes, numbing gels, pain relievers.
  3. Medical Treatments: Corticosteroid ointments, prescription mouth rinses, nutritional supplements.

🥗 Diet Tips for Mouth Ulcers

Diet plays a crucial role in healing and preventing ulcers:

Foods to Eat Foods to Avoid
Yogurt, leafy greens, eggs, fish, nuts, whole grains Spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, salty snacks
Vitamin-rich foods (B12, folate, iron, zinc) Carbonated drinks, alcohol, acidic juices

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

  • Maintain good oral hygiene with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Avoid trigger foods and allergens.
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques.
  • Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
  • Use toothpaste free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

❓ FAQs on Mouth Ulcers

1. Are mouth ulcers contagious?

No, canker sores are not contagious. Cold sores, however, are caused by herpes simplex virus and are contagious.

2. How long do mouth ulcers take to heal?

Most minor ulcers heal within 1–2 weeks. Major ulcers may take longer and sometimes leave scars.

3. When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical advice if ulcers last more than 2 weeks, are unusually large, recur frequently, or are accompanied by fever or fatigue.

📚 References

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