I have a sore inside my mouth
A sore inside the mouth may be caused by friction, a minor ulcer, a burn, infection, inflammation, or an irritant from a tooth or dental appliance.
What could cause a sore inside the mouth?
A sore inside the mouth may be caused by friction, a minor ulcer, a burn, infection, inflammation, or an irritant from a tooth or dental appliance.
How is a sore inside the mouth assessed?
A sore is assessed by its site, surface, colour, border, tenderness, duration, and whether there is a sharp tooth, bite injury, or general illness.
What can you do to protect a sore inside the mouth?
Avoid picking it, keep brushing gently, choose soft foods, and remove obvious friction such as a sharp appliance edge only with professional guidance.
When should an internal mouth sore be examined?
Arrange an examination for a sore that persists, repeatedly returns, enlarges, bleeds, feels firm, or is accompanied by a neck lump or swallowing difficulty.
What should you ask about the sore’s pattern and healing?
Ask what pattern the sore has, whether a local irritant is present, and how long it should take to settle before review.
Frequently asked questions
What will a dentist check?
The dentist examines the relevant teeth and oral tissues, reviews your history, and uses targeted tests or imaging when needed.
Can home care replace an examination?
Home care can reduce irritation, but it cannot identify or treat causes such as decay, pulp disease, or infection.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.