Small sores in mouth
Small mouth sores are usually ulcers caused by minor injury, irritation, or inflammation, but a sore that persists, recurs often, or comes with other.
The short answer
Small mouth sores are usually ulcers caused by minor injury, irritation, or inflammation, but a sore that persists, recurs often, or comes with other symptoms needs an examination.
What is a sore in the mouth lining?
A mouth sore is a break or inflamed area in the lining of the cheek, lip, tongue, palate, or gum. Common examples include an aphthous ulcer, a trauma ulcer from biting or a sharp tooth, and a cold sore on the lip caused by herpes simplex virus.
What can help protect and soothe a mouth sore?
Rinse gently with warm salt water, use a soft toothbrush, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and protect the area from sharp teeth or appliances. Do not scrape the sore or place aspirin directly on it; a dentist can smooth an irritant and may prescribe a topical treatment after checking the cause.
When does a mouth sore need dental examination?
Arrange dental care if the sore lasts longer than two weeks, repeatedly returns, enlarges, bleeds, becomes very painful, or makes eating difficult. Seek prompt medical help for facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or breathing.
What should the dentist ask about a persistent mouth sore?
Ask whether the appearance fits an aphthous ulcer, trauma, infection, or another lesion, whether a sharp tooth or appliance is contributing, and what treatment is appropriate for its location and duration.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask about this concern?
Ask whether the appearance fits an aphthous ulcer, trauma, infection, or another lesion, whether a sharp tooth or appliance is contributing, and what treatment is appropriate for its location and duration.
What signs should change the timing of care?
Arrange dental care if the sore lasts longer than two weeks, repeatedly returns, enlarges, bleeds, becomes very painful, or makes eating difficult. Seek prompt medical help for facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or breathing.
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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.