Internal Medicine, by video or in person
Mouth Ulcers
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Mouth Ulcers
- A painful sore, white or yellow in the centre with a red edge
- Pain when eating, drinking or brushing teeth
- One ulcer or several at once
- Ulcers that keep returning
Mouth ulcers are painful, round or oval sores inside the mouth, on the cheeks, lips, tongue or gums. Most are harmless and heal by themselves within one to two weeks. They can be triggered by biting the cheek, a sharp tooth or brace, stress, hormonal changes, some toothpastes and foods, or low iron, vitamin B12 or folate. Repeated ulcers can be linked to conditions such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. An ulcer that has not healed after three weeks should be checked by a doctor or dentist, because rarely it can be a sign of mouth cancer.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A painful sore, white or yellow in the centre with a red edge
- Pain when eating, drinking or brushing teeth
- One ulcer or several at once
- Ulcers that keep returning
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor or dentist if an ulcer lasts more than three weeks, keeps coming back, is painless, grows, or comes with weight loss, a lump in the neck or difficulty swallowing. Go to a hospital if you cannot eat or drink because of pain, or if mouth sores come with a high fever, a rash, blisters on the skin or sore eyes.
Treatment options
- Avoiding spicy, salty or acidic foods while it heals
- A soft toothbrush and a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate
- Salt water or antiseptic mouthwash
- Pain-relieving gels or a protective paste from a pharmacy
- Blood tests for iron, B12 and folate when ulcers keep returning
- Treating the cause, such as a sharp tooth or a medical condition
Common Questions
Are mouth ulcers contagious?
Ordinary mouth ulcers are not. Cold sores, caused by the herpes virus, are different: they usually form on the outside of the lips and are contagious.
Why do I keep getting ulcers?
Common reasons are stress, a sharp tooth, certain toothpastes, or low iron, B12 or folate. A doctor can test your blood and look for other causes.
When is a mouth ulcer serious?
An ulcer that has not healed in three weeks, especially if painless, or a red or white patch that does not go away, should be checked.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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