Mouth ulcers are generally found in the inner cheeks, gums, tongue and tonsils. They are painful sores which can cause discomfort but they are temporary and harmless and usually take around one to two weeks to clear up. If left untreated, they can make it difficult to eat, drink and even communicate.
If you are suffering from mouth ulcers in Sutton, it is important to understand what is causing them and when to seek professional dental care in Surrey.
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers affect two out of three people and can recur throughout our lives. Mouth ulcers can span up to 6 millimetres in size, and sores are usually circular with a white bump and a red outline. Occasionally, sores can appear grey or yellow and form in clusters. If your mouth ulcers have not healed within 3 weeks, we strongly recommend contacting your doctor or dentist as a non-healing mouth ulcer could be a possible sign of oral cancer.
At our private dental clinic in Sutton, we regularly diagnose and treat patients with recurring or slow-healing ulcers. Book your dental examination today.
Common signs of mouth ulcers
If you discover a mouth ulcer, you may feel a tingling or burning sensation, along with a feeling of soreness when brushing your teeth. Other symptoms may include irritation that worsens when consuming acidic or spicy foods, difficulty when chewing and swelling.
Types of mouth ulcers
There are several types of mouth ulcers. Canker sores are the most common type. Here is a list of different types of mouth ulcers and how you can identify them.
- Canker sores – These ulcers only occur on the inside of the mouth and are small, inflamed spots caused by minor trauma, such as biting your inner lip.
- Oral lichen planus: This is an inflammatory condition which can affect the inner mouth and the skin. It can appear white and in a lace-like form or swollen and can appear red.
- Erythroplakia: This type of ulcer is more uncommon. It appears as patchy red-like lesions that bleed very easily. Similar to leukoplakia and lichen planus, it may be associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.
- Leukoplakia: These types of ulcers appear large, patchy and white which cannot be wiped away. This occurs due to persistent irritation of the tissue within your mouth.
- Oral thrush: This is caused by a build up of Candida albicans within your mouth. This type of ulcer produces white lesions in your mouth and is not contagious.
Mouth ulcers vs cold sores
Sometimes these two conditions are mistaken for each other, but they are actually quite different. Cold sores appear as small clusters or fluid-filled blisters that occur around the lips. They can be very painful and highly contagious, with people feeling a strong burning or itching sensation. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life.
Causes of mouth ulcers
There are many reasons mouth ulcers occur, some of which we have no control over. These sores can happen at any time and can be caused by just doing your everyday habits. Here are some of the reasons they can occur:
- Minor trauma, such as biting the inside of the tongue or inner cheek;
- Irritation caused by braces, dentures or fillings;
- Brushing too hard or aggressively;
- Stress and a lack of sleep;
- Intolerance to certain foods;
- Certain treatments and medications; and
- An overactive immune system.
How to treat mouth ulcers quickly and effectively
Mouth ulcers usually take time to heal on their own. You can speed up the process of healing by using mouthwash which is antimicrobial or corticosteroid lozenges. Certain antiseptic gels and mouth rinses tend to be very effective. There are also effective treatments you can carry out at home such as drinking lots of water and trying to keep your mouth clean and brushing your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
To help with any pain, try to use a soft toothbrush and avoid touching the affected area. Furthermore, our expert dentists in Sutton recommend drinking cold or hot drinks through a straw to reduce the risk of sensitivity. Saltwater is also an effective way to get rid of sores.
When Should You See a Dentist in Sutton?
You should book an appointment with a dentist in Sutton if:
- Your mouth ulcer lasts longer than 2–3 weeks;
- The ulcer is unusually large or painful;
- You experience frequent recurring ulcers;
- You notice red or white patches that do not heal.
Early assessment is important for ruling out more serious conditions, including oral cancer. We recommend booking a dental appointment with our private dentist in Sutton if the above applies to you.
How can I prevent mouth ulcers?
To reduce the risk of mouth ulcers developing there are several steps you can take:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated;
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft brush;
- Floss more regularly;
- Visit the dentist regularly, who can guide you on oral hygiene and treat areas if needed;
- Reduce stress levels; and
- Eat healthy and balanced meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mouth ulcers contagious?
No, mouth ulcers are not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
Can stress cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, stress is a common trigger and can weaken the immune system, making ulcers more likely.
How long do mouth ulcers last?
Most mouth ulcers heal within 7–14 days. If they last longer than 3 weeks, seek professional advice.
Book a consultation
Pine Dental & Aesthetics is located in Belmont, Sutton, directly next to Belmont Train Station and bus stops. We also have plenty of free parking spaces. Call us on 020 3535 6260 or email hello@pinedental.co.uk to speak to a member of our team to start your new smile journey.