Inside lip sores
Lip sores often follow minor trauma or irritation, but a persistent, recurrent, or unusual lesion needs examination.
The short answer
Sores inside the lip are often caused by minor trauma, an aphthous ulcer, or irritation, but a persistent, recurrent, or unusual lesion needs examination.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The inner lip is lined by movable oral mucosa that can be bitten, rubbed by a sharp tooth, or irritated by an appliance. A dentist assesses its colour, border, firmness, location, duration, and any nearby tooth or gum problem.
What can you do next?
A traumatic ulcer often follows biting or friction and may have a pale centre with a red edge. Aphthous ulcers are shallow painful lesions, while a fluid-filled swelling near a small salivary gland can have a different appearance.
When should you seek dental care?
Avoid biting the area, spicy or acidic foods, tobacco, and harsh products while it heals. Use a soft toothbrush and protect a sharp tooth or appliance with dental wax until it can be adjusted.
What should you ask the dentist?
Seek an examination if the sore lasts beyond the expected healing period, keeps returning in the same place, becomes firm, bleeds without trauma, or is accompanied by a neck lump or difficulty swallowing.
Frequently asked questions
Ask what the lesion most resembles and whether a sharp tooth, bite pattern, medicine, or appliance is contributing. Ask whether an examination, swab, medication, or referral is appropriate.
Can I pop a sore inside my lip?
What happens at an assessment?
Seek an examination if the sore lasts beyond the expected healing period, keeps returning in the same place, becomes firm, bleeds without trauma, or is accompanied by a neck lump or difficulty swallowing..