Best way to treat a mouth ulcer
Most mouth ulcers heal with protection from irritation, gentle oral care, and treatment of the trigger when one is found.
The short answer
Most mouth ulcers heal with protection from irritation, gentle oral care, and treatment of the trigger when one is found. A dentist can prescribe a topical treatment when pain or inflammation needs more control.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A mouth ulcer is a break in the mucosa, commonly appearing as a tender round or oval sore on the cheek, lip, tongue, or other oral lining. Biting, sharp teeth, appliances, irritants, and some medical conditions can contribute.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with salt water, choose soft foods, avoid spicy or acidic items, and keep brushing carefully with a soft brush. Check for a sharp filling, tooth edge, denture, or brace that repeatedly rubs the sore.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek an examination if an ulcer does not heal, keeps returning, is unusually large or painful, or is accompanied by fever, weight loss, or other persistent symptoms. A dentist may inspect the lesion and remove a local source of trauma.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the sore looks traumatic, recurrent, infectious, medication-related, or linked to another condition. Ask how to protect it, whether a prescription gel is appropriate, and what change should prompt review.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brush over a mouth ulcer?
Brush gently around it to keep plaque away, but do not scrub the ulcer or break its surface.
Can a sharp tooth cause an ulcer?
Yes. Repeated rubbing from a sharp tooth, filling, denture, or brace can injure the mucosa and prevent healing.