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Do Mouth Ulcers Hurt?

Posted on 10/15/2023 by Nancy Shiba DDS Office

Close-up of mouth with a sore at Nancy Shiba, DDS

Mouth ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the mouth, cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue. Sometimes they appear as white or red sores that can be uncomfortable when eating or speaking. Although mouth ulcers are painful, they are mostly harmless and can resolve by themselves. However, mouth ulcers that last long or keep coming back may indicate serious oral issues. In this case, you need to look for an effective treatment to prevent it from harming your oral health. Learn how to treat mouth ulcers:

Self-Care

Mouth ulcers occur for various reasons, and the best treatment depends on the underlying cause. If mouth ulcers result from burns or injuries from toothbrushes, you may need to maintain good oral hygiene. This may involve using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth.

If the sores are painful such that you can't brush, you may need to consider a mouthwash. Be sure to avoid mouthwash-containing alcohol, as it can worsen the issue. Avoiding spicy and hot foods and beverages is another way to ease a painful mouth. You can also rinse your mouth with salt water. This helps to alleviate discomfort while preventing infections.

Visit a Dentist

If mouth ulcers worsen or make eating and speaking difficult, they could be a sign of bacterial infections. If left untreated, infections can harm the gums, teeth, and the entire mouth. While over-the-counter antibiotics can help to prevent and treat bacterial infections, it is good to consult a dentist when mouth ulcers become painful.

The professional will diagnose the issue to treat the root cause. For instance, if the infections result from gum diseases, a professional may perform scaling and root planing. Schedule an appointment with our professionals today and get a personalized treatment for your mouth ulcers. Also, contact us if you have any questions regarding mouth ulcers.

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Dental Blog • Nancy Shiba, DDS
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914 / (669) 306-7669 / nancyshibadds.com / 10/10/2024