What Causes Mouth Ulcers? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside of the mouth (the mucous membrane).
There are many possible causes of mouth ulcers. The most common cause is injury, such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek.
Other causes include aphthous ulceration, certain medications, skin rashes affecting the mouth, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, exposure to chemicals, and some underlying medical conditions.
An ulcer that does not heal may be a sign of mouth cancer. However, in most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and usually resolve on their own within 10 to 14 days without the need for treatment.
You should seek medical advice from your doctor or dentist as soon as possible if you:
Have several ulcers at the same time
Have very large ulcers
Experience severe pain
Develop a fever
Have an ulcer that does not heal after three weeks
Notice ulcers that are spreading
Your doctor or dentist can usually diagnose mouth ulcers through a visual examination. In some cases, further tests may be required to check for other underlying health conditions.
When They May Signal a More Serious Condition
Most mouth ulcers last only a short period of time, and many people are familiar with managing them or seeking advice from a dentist.
However, mouth ulcers can sometimes be a sign of more serious underlying conditions that may require urgent medical attention, such as:
Coeliac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Diabetes
HIV/AIDS
For example, our dentists can confirm whether your problem is truly a mouth ulcer and not another condition, such as a tooth abscess or, in rare cases, oral cancer.
