Oral ulcer causes self care and referral
An oral ulcer is a sore in the lining of the mouth, often caused by minor injury or inflammation, that should be assessed if it does not heal.
What is an oral ulcer and when should it heal?
An oral ulcer is a sore in the lining of the mouth, often caused by minor injury or inflammation, that should be assessed if it does not heal.
Where can an oral ulcer appear in the mouth?
Ulcers can affect the cheek, lip, tongue, palate, or gum. Common triggers include biting, a sharp tooth, an appliance, irritation, infection, medicines, or inflammatory illness, and appearance alone cannot identify every cause.
How can you care for an oral ulcer at home?
Use a soft toothbrush, choose cool soft foods, avoid tobacco and irritating spicy or acidic foods, and prevent rubbing from a sharp edge or appliance. Do not pick the sore or apply household chemicals.
When does an oral ulcer need professional review?
See a dentist or doctor if an ulcer lasts beyond the usual healing period, keeps returning, is unusually large, is hard or bleeding, or comes with fever, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or a neck lump.
What should you ask about an oral ulcer?
Ask what appearance and location suggest, whether a sharp tooth or appliance is involved, and whether testing or referral is needed. Ask how to protect the area while it heals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put salt directly on an oral ulcer?
Avoid placing dry salt on the sore because it can irritate tissue. Gentle rinsing and avoiding the trigger are less abrasive measures.
When does an oral ulcer need a biopsy or referral?
A persistent, recurrent, changing, or unusual ulcer may require specialist assessment or tissue sampling.
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.