Mouth ulcers generally resolve themselves within 10 to 14 days and are rarely a sign of anything serious. However, if you do have a mouth ulcer that doesn’t seem to want to budge, it might be worth having it looked into.

Mouth ulcers can also have accompanying symptoms that may warrant further investigation by your dentist, or doctor.

In this piece, we explore how to determine if a mouth ulcer needs attention from a medical professional.

 Mouth ulcers summary

• An ulcer is the erosion of the lining tissue (mucous membrane) in the mouth

• The most common reason for ulcers developing is due to injury (catching the side of your cheek with your teeth)

• Ulcers generally clear up after 14 days

• Aphthous ulcers are recurring and affect 20% of the population. These are non-cancerous

• Ulcers can develop due to vitamin deficiencies and mouth cancer

• If you develop ulcers often, see a dentist

What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?

• Painful sores that sit on the mucous membrane lining in your mouth

• Red and swollen patches

• Chewing and toothbrushing difficulties due to the discomfort

• Irritation of the sores when you eat acidic or salty foods

An ulcer that does not cause any irritation can be a sign of mouth cancer.

When to seek treatment for mouth ulcers

If your ulcer causing intense irritation that stops you from going about your daily activities, your dentist may be able to provide a prescription mouthwash.

If your dentist suspects your mouth ulcer is caused by an iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, they may suggest referring you for blood tests.  It might be that you require treatment for an underlying condition causing a deficiency (such as a stomach ulcer), or your diet isn’t balanced enough.

If your dentist cannot conclusively identify the cause of your ulcer, you’ve indicated that it is not painful, or you’ve had it for 14+ days, you may need a biopsy.

A tissue sample is obtained by your dentist and sent away for examinations, testing and diagnosis. The main reason for biopsies is to make sure your mouth ulcer is not a symptom of mouth cancer.

How do I know if my ulcer is cancerous?

Ulcers alone are rarely a sign of mouth cancer, but if they are lingering and accompanied by these symptoms, you should have them checked:

• Red and white patches on the soft tissues in your mouth

• A persistent sore throat

• Speech problems/a hoarse voice

• Weight loss

• A lump in your neck

• Difficulty swallowing

• Bad breath

• Loose teeth for no apparent reason

• Jaw pain

Where to get help for mouth ulcers

• Your dentist can carry out an examination and refer you for any necessary further investigations. They can also advise on how to avoid mouth ulcers in the future.

• If your ulcer is caused by contact between your teeth and soft tissues, a pharmacist may be able to suggest over-the-counter remedies.

• Our dentists here at Nova Smiles can answer your concerns online. Simply use our free online form to speak to a dentist about an ulcer that’s worrying you. They’ll respond to you within 24 hours.

• Use the Nova Smiles Mouth Cancer Screening Tool, allowing you to Submit a Photo To Our Dentists.