Mouth Ulcers Service Page

They can be painful and make it difficult to eat, drink, or talk. They may also cause a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth. Canker sores are not the same as cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores typically appear on the lips or around the mouth and are fluid-filled blisters.

When It’s Important to Visit a Dentist?

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small sores that appear inside the mouth. They are often red or white in colour and can cause pain or discomfort. Mouth ulcers are typically caused by irritation or damage to the soft tissue inside the mouth, and they can be triggered by factors such as stress, food allergies, or certain medical conditions.

Dentists can remove mouth ulcers in several ways. The most common treatment is to clean the ulcer and apply a medicated ointment to help it heal. In some cases, the dentist may also prescribe oral medication to help treat the ulcer. 

In severe cases, the dentist may need to perform a minor surgical procedure to remove the ulcer.

It is important to see a dentist if you have a mouth ulcer:

• that is not healing
• is very large
• or is causing severe pain. 

The dentist can help determine the cause of the ulcer and provide the appropriate treatment.

In most cases, mouth ulcers will heal on their own within a few days to a week. In the meantime, avoiding spicy or acidic foods and using over-the-counter pain relief medication can help manage the pain and discomfort.

Causes

There are many potential causes of mouth ulcers, including the following:

• Trauma or injury to the mouth, such as biting the cheek or lip
• Certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system or gastrointestinal problems
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid
• Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy can also cause canker sores 
• Genetic factors that make a person more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers
• Use of certain medications, such as antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

It’s also possible for mouth ulcers to develop for no apparent reason. If you develop mouth ulcers that are persistent or severe, you can book an appointment with our dental experts for further evaluation and treatment.

Can you pull off a mouth ulcer?

It’s not advisable to try to pull off a mouth ulcer.

Trying to pull off a mouth ulcer can cause additional injury to the mouth and may make the ulcer worse. It’s best to let mouth ulcers heal on their own or to talk to a doctor or dentist for treatment. 

How do I get rid of ulcers in my mouth? 

To help get rid of mouth ulcers, you can try using over-the-counter medications that may help to get rid of mouth ulcers including oral gels or mouthwashes that contain numbing agents, such as lidocaine, to reduce pain. 

Other medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, may also be used to reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication to treat mouth ulcers, as some medications may not be suitable for everyone. It’s also important to follow the instructions on the medication label carefully to avoid any potential side effects.

You can also try avoiding foods that can irritate the mouth, such as acidic fruits and spicy foods. It’s not clear what specific foods may cause mouth ulcers, but some people may find that certain foods trigger the development of these sores. 

If you notice a pattern of mouth ulcers developing after eating certain foods, you may want to avoid those foods to prevent future sores.

A lack of specific vitamins, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid, can make a person more susceptible to developing mouth ulcers. However, it’s not clear that a deficiency in these vitamins is the direct cause of mouth ulcers. If you think you may be deficient in a certain vitamin, talk to your doctor about getting tested and starting a supplement if needed.

How does a dentist remove mouth ulcers?

The specific treatment for mouth ulcers will depend on the cause and severity of the ulcers. A dentist may first clean the area around the ulcer to help reduce pain and promote healing. 

The dentist may then use a procedure called debridement, in which they use a small scalpel or laser to remove the dead tissue from the ulcer. The goal of debridement is to help the ulcer heal more quickly and to prevent infection. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe medication, such as a mouthwash or gel, to help speed up the healing process.

How long does it take to totally heal from severe mouth ulcers?

The time it takes for mouth ulcers to heal can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the ulcers. Most mouth ulcers will heal on their own within a week or two, but some may take longer to heal. 

It’s important to avoid spicy or acidic foods and to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to help the ulcers heal.