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Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

 

By Swasthaay Team

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Mouth Ulcers?

  2. Types of Mouth Ulcers

  3. Symptoms

  4. Causes

  5. Common Risk Factors in India

  6. Treatment & Home Care

  7. Healing Diet

  8. When to Seek Medical Help

  9. Prevention

  10. FAQs

  11. Sources




1. What Are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers—also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers—are small, painful sores that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the inner cheeks, tongue, gums, and lips. They are not contagious and typically resolve within 7–14 days.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that oral mucosal lesions, including ulcers, are among the most common oral health issues globally.
(Source: WHO Oral Health Factsheet)

2. Types of Mouth Ulcers

Minor Aphthous Ulcers

  • Most common

  • 2–5 mm

  • Heal within 1–2 weeks

  • Mild pain

Major Aphthous Ulcers

  • Larger than 1 cm

  • Deeper and more painful

  • Heal slowly

  • May leave scars



Herpetiform Ulcers

  • Cluster of multiple tiny ulcers

  • Severe burning pain

  • Common in recurrent cases

The AIIMS Department of Oral Medicine frequently reports recurrent aphthous stomatitis as a common complaint among Indian patients.

3. Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

  • Round or oval sore

  • White, yellow, or grey center

  • Red, inflamed border

  • Burning or tingling before the ulcer appears

  • Pain while chewing, brushing, or drinking

  • Swelling around the ulcer in severe cases

If ulcers appear with fever, fatigue, or swollen glands, deeper evaluation may be necessary.

4. Causes

Mouth ulcers can occur due to multiple factors rather than one specific cause.

Minor Trauma

Accidental cheek biting, harsh brushing, braces, dentures, or sharp teeth can irritate oral tissues.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, minor trauma is a common trigger.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies of Vitamin B12, iron, folate, and zinc are strongly associated with ulcers.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports these deficiencies are highly prevalent in India.

Stress and Sleep Disturbance

Research published on PubMed shows psychological stress significantly increases the likelihood of recurrent aphthous ulcers.

Food Triggers

Some individuals react to:

  • Spicy foods

  • Citrus fruits

  • Tomatoes

  • Nuts

  • Chocolate

  • Coffee

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal changes, especially in women, can trigger episodes.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and immune disorders can lead to frequent ulcers.

SLS Toothpaste

Toothpastes containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can irritate oral tissues in sensitive individuals.
Mayo Clinic notes this as a known trigger.

5. Common Risk Factors in India

  • Vegetarian diet low in Vitamin B12

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • High spice consumption

  • Stress from academics or work

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco

  • High caffeine intake

  • Irregular eating patterns

6. Treatment & Home Care

Most ulcers resolve naturally, but the following treatments can improve comfort and speed healing.

Salt Water Rinse

A warm salt-water gargle helps reduce pain and cleans the area.
This is widely recommended by oral health specialists.

Honey Application

Honey provides a soothing effect and mild antimicrobial support.

Coconut Oil

Helps calm irritation and moisturizes the ulcer surface.

Turmeric Paste

Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
ICMR research highlights turmeric’s medicinal properties.

Ice Application

Briefly applying ice provides temporary pain relief.

Medications

If discomfort is significant, doctors may advise:

  • Topical anesthetic gels

  • Chlorhexidine mouthwash

  • Anti-inflammatory pastes

For severe or recurring ulcers, AIIMS specialists may prescribe steroid-based pastes like triamcinolone.

Vitamin Supplements

If tests show deficiencies, doctors may recommend:

  • Vitamin B12

  • Iron

  • Folate

7. Healing Diet

Foods That Help

  • Curd

  • Coconut water

  • Bananas

  • Oats

  • Khichdi

  • Soft cooked vegetables

  • Warm soups

  • Iron-rich foods (spinach, dals)

  • B12 foods (eggs, dairy, paneer)

Foods to Avoid

  • Spicy food

  • Pickles

  • Fried items

  • Citrus fruits

  • Hard snacks (chips, papad)

  • Very hot beverages

  • Alcohol

  • Tobacco

8. When to Seek Medical Help

See a doctor or dentist if:

  • An ulcer lasts longer than 2–3 weeks

  • Ulcers occur frequently

  • The ulcer is very large or extremely painful

  • Eating becomes difficult

  • You notice white or red patches that don’t heal

  • Fever or swollen lymph nodes appear

  • You suspect Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency

WHO and AIIMS emphasize early evaluation of persistent oral lesions to rule out underlying disease.

9. Prevention

  • Brush gently with a soft toothbrush

  • Maintain daily oral hygiene

  • Manage stress through rest, exercise, or meditation

  • Avoid foods that trigger ulcers

  • Treat nutritional deficiencies

  • Drink enough water

  • Avoid biting cheeks or lips

  • Choose SLS-free toothpaste if sensitive

10. FAQs

Q1. Are mouth ulcers dangerous?

Most are harmless, but persistent ulcers require evaluation.

Q2. Are mouth ulcers contagious?

No, they do not spread from person to person.

Q3. Can vitamin deficiencies cause ulcers?

Yes. B12, folate, and iron deficiencies are major causes.

Q4. Do stress and lack of sleep cause ulcers?

Yes. Both weaken immune response.

Q5. Which gel works best?

Chlorhexidine and benzocaine-based gels offer good relief.

Q6. Should spicy food be avoided?

Yes. Spicy and acidic foods can worsen ulcers.

Q7. How long do ulcers last?

Typically 7–14 days.

Sources

World Health Organization (WHO) – Oral Health
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health

AIIMS – All India Institute of Medical Sciences
https://www.aiims.edu

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
https://www.icmr.gov.in

Cleveland Clinic – Mouth Ulcers
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21766-mouth-ulcer

Mayo Clinic – Canker Sores
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore

PubMed – Research on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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เคจीเคšे เค…เคชเคจी เคฐाเคฏ เคนเคฎाเคฐे เคธाเคฅ เคœ़เคฐूเคฐ เคธाเคा เค•เคฐें!
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(เค•ृเคชเคฏा เค…เคชเคจी เคจिเคœी เคฏा เคฎेเคกिเค•เคฒ เคœाเคจเค•ाเคฐी เคธाเคा เคจ เค•เคฐें — เคฏเคน เคธिเคฐ्เคซ เค†เคชเค•ी เคธुเคฐเค•्เคทा เค•े เคฒिเค เคนै।)

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