Mouth Sores are common ailments that can appear on any of the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of the mouth. You can even develop mouth sores on your esophagus, the tube leading to the stomach.
What are the symptoms of mouth sores?
In most cases, mouth sores cause some redness and pain, especially when eating and drinking. Depending on the size, severity, and location of the sores in your mouth, they can make it difficult to eat, drink, swallow, talk, or breathe. The sores may also develop blisters.
What causes mouth sores?
Several things can lead to mouth sores, ranging from minor everyday causes to serious illnesses. Usually, a mouth sore might develop if you:
- bite your tongue, cheek, or lip
- burn your mouth
- have irritation from a sharp object, such braces, retainer, or dentures
- brush your teeth too hard, or use a very firm toothbrush
- chew tobacco
- are infected with the herpes simplex virus
Doctors do not know what causes canker sores. However, these sores are not contagious. You may be more prone to them due to the following:
- a weakened immune system because of illness or stress
- hormone changes
- a vitamin deficiency, especially of folate and B-12
- intestinal issues, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Occasionally, mouth sores are the result of, or a reaction to, the following:
- over-the-counter or prescription medications
- radiation or chemotherapy
- autoimmune disorders
- bleeding disorders
- cancer
- bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- weakened immune system due to AIDS or a recent organ transplant
Do mouth sores need to be diagnosed?
You can usually tell when you have a mouth sore without needing a doctor’s diagnosis. However, you should see your doctor if you:
- have white patches on the sores
- have, or suspect you may have, herpes simplex or another infection
- have sores that do not go away after a couple of weeks, or they get worse
- just started taking a new medication
started cancer treatment - recently had transplant surgery
How are mouth sores treated?
Often, minor mouth sores often go away naturally within 10 to 14 days, but they can last up to six weeks. Some simple home remedies might help reduce the pain and possibly speed up the healing process. You may want to:
- avoid hot, spicy, salty, citrus-based, and high-sugar foods
- avoid tobacco and alcohol
- gargle with salt water
- eat ice, ice pops, sherbet, or other cold foods
- take anti-pain medications, such as acetaminophen
- avoid squeezing or picking at the sores or blisters
- apply a thin paste of baking soda and water
- gently dab on a solution that is one part
- hydrogen peroxide and one part water
- ask your pharmacist about other over-the counter medications, pastes, or mouthwash that may be helpful
Can mouth sores be prevented?
There is no absolute way to prevent all mouth sores. However, there are steps you can take to avoid getting them. You should try to:
- avoid very hot foods and drinks
- chew slowly
- use a soft toothbrush and practice regular dental hygiene
- see your dentist if any dental hardware or teeth may be irritating your mouth
- decrease stress
- eat a balanced diet
- reduce or eliminate food irritants, such as hot, spicy foods
- take vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins
- drink plenty of water
- do not smoke or use tobacco
- avoid or limit alcohol consumption
- shade your lips when in the sun or use SPF 15 lip balm
Are there any long-term effects of mouth sores?
In most cases, mouth sores have no long-term effects.
If you have herpes simplex, the sores may reappear. Outbreaks are more common if you are under stress, if you are ill or have a weakened immune system, if you had too much sun exposure, or if there is a break in your mouth’s skin.
In cases of cancer, your long-term effects and outlook depends on the type, severity, and treatment of your cancer.