Friday, February, 10, 2012

Mouth ulcers

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth


Symptoms

Symptoms vary and depend on the specific cause of the mouth ulcer. In general, symptoms may include:

  • Open sores in the mouth
  • Pain or discomfort in the mouth

Signs and tests

A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on its appearance and location. Blood tests or a biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause.



Review Date: 02/17/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)