Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are those small, painful sores inside your mouth. They can appear on your tongue, cheeks or gum. This little trouble makers usually heal on their own in 1 to 2 weeks. However, if you have a big one that doesn’t go away, it’s time to visit your doctor or dentist!

What are the causes of mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can be triggered by many things, like:

• Accidents: Biting your cheek while eating or brushing too hard.
• Stress & lack of sleep: Yes, being stressed or not sleeping enough can bring them on!
• Acidic foods: Too many pineapples, oranges, or tomatoes might make your mouth feel sore.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Not getting enough B vitamins or zinc can lead to ulcers.

Types of mouth ulcers?

• Minor canker sores: Small and round. They heal quickly in 1-2 weeks.
• Major canker sores: Larger, deeper, and can leave scars. They take longer to heal.
• Herpetiform sores: Tiny ulcers that form in clusters and resemble herpes.

How to treat mouth ulcers?

• DIY treatments: Try mixing baking soda with water or use a tea bag to soothe the ulcer.
• Eat well: Avoid irritating foods and enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Reduce stress: Take it easy! Stress can make things worse.

When to see a doctor?

• If the ulcer is larger than usual or doesn’t heal in 3 weeks, visit a doctor.
• If you also have a fever, diarrhea, or trouble eating, don’t wait – get checked out!