Mouth and lip ulcers
Mouth and lip ulcers are open, sore areas on the oral lining; most follow local injury or inflammation, but ulcers that persist or recur need diagnosis.
What is the direct answer?
Mouth and lip ulcers are open, sore areas on the oral lining; most follow local injury or inflammation, but ulcers that persist or recur need diagnosis.
What does this question mean?
An ulcer is a break in the mucosa of the lip, cheek, tongue, palate, or gum. Causes include biting, sharp teeth, braces, burns, viral or inflammatory conditions, and medication effects.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with salt water, use a soft toothbrush, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and protect the area from a sharp tooth or appliance. Do not scrape it or apply caustic household substances.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange assessment if an ulcer does not heal, keeps returning, is unusually hard or painless, or comes with a neck lump, fever, trouble swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask what its appearance and location suggest, whether a sharp tooth is causing trauma, and whether an examination, swab, blood test, or biopsy is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Could this have more than one cause?
Yes. A dentist uses the history, examination, and tests to distinguish common causes that can look alike.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring the product or appliance involved, a list of medicines, and notes about when the symptom or concern began and changed.