What Are Mouth Ulcers & What Causes Them?

atlanticdentalprac
5 days ago
2 min read

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear inside the mouth, often affecting the inner cheeks, lips, gums or tongue. They’re common, usually harmless and most heal on their own within 7–14 days.

What Are Mouth Ulcers?

A mouth ulcer is a break or sore in the mucous lining inside your mouth. They’re usually white or yellow in the middle with a red border and can be painful, especially when eating acidic or spicy foods.

They’re not contagious, and unlike cold sores, they don’t spread from person to person.

Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers

While the exact reason some people develop ulcers more often isn’t always clear, there are many known triggers:

1. Minor Mouth Injuries

· Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or tongue

· Braces, rough fillings or sharp teeth edges

· Hard, crunchy foods that scrape the mouth lining. These small injuries often lead to a sore as the tissue tries to heal.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, folate and other nutrients have been linked to recurrent ulcers.

3. Stress & Hormonal Changes

Feeling stressed or anxious, as well as hormonal changes (for example around your period), can make mouth ulcers more likely.

4. Medical Conditions & Medications

In some cases, underlying conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease or medication side effects can contribute to frequent ulcers.

Foods & Drinks to Avoid If You Have a Mouth Ulcer

🚫 Spicy foods – they can sting sore tissue

🚫 Acidic fruits/drinks (like oranges, lemons or fruit juices) – these can intensify pain

🚫 Crisps, toast & hard crackers – rough texture irritates ulcers

🚫 Coffee & alcohol – can dry out or inflame oral tissue

🚫 Salty snacks – salt gets into an open sore and causes discomfort

Hard, crunchy, very hot or highly acidic foods and drinks are common triggers that make eating uncomfortable and can slow healing.

Tips to Help Mouth Ulcers Heal Faster

· Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique.

· Rinse with warm salt water to cleanse and soothe the area.

· Ask your pharmacist about topical gels or mouth rinses that help reduce pain and protect the ulcer.

If a mouth ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, is unusually large or painful, or keeps coming back, it’s important to seek professional advice — especially as persistent ulcers can sometimes signal a more serious issue.

Get expert advice

If you're concerned about mouth ulcers then Hampton Dental Care is your go-to dentist. Our mission is to provide the highest quality dental treatment, using the most advanced technology and materials available, at fair prices.