Mouth ulcers

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Oral thrush

Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)

Lichen planus on the oral mucosa

Mouth ulcers

Alternative Names:

Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth
Treatment:

The goal of treatment is relief of symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended to apply to the mouth ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.

Expectations (prognosis):

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The outcome varies with the causative disorder. Many mouth ulcers are benign and resolve without specific treatment. Rarely, chronic mouth ulcers can develop into oral cancer.

Complications:

Cellulitis of the mouth from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
Dental infections (tooth abscesses)
Spread of contagious disorders to other people
Oral cancer

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your mouth ulcers persist for longer than 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers recur frequently, or if new symptoms develop.