Mouth
Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that develop inside the mouth — commonly affecting the inner cheeks, lips, tongue or gums. Most ulcers are temporary and resolve on their own, but some may recur or persist. A professional dental assessment is important if ulcers are frequent, persistent or unclear in cause.
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Understanding the Concern
What Are Mouth Ulcers (Aphthous Ulcers)?
Aphthous ulcers are shallow, well-defined lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth — including the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, floor of the mouth and gums. They typically appear as round or oval sores with a pale yellowish or whitish centre surrounded by an inflamed red border.
Unlike cold sores, aphthous ulcers are not contagious and occur exclusively inside the mouth rather than on the external lip or skin. They are among the most common oral conditions, affecting a significant proportion of the population at some point.
Ulcers can vary in size, number and severity. Minor aphthous ulcers — the most common type — are usually small and heal without scarring. Major aphthous ulcers are larger and deeper, and herpetiform ulcers present as clusters of very small sores. Clinical evaluation helps determine the type, identify possible triggers, and guide appropriate management.
Symptoms & Characteristics
Small, round or oval sores
Aphthous ulcers typically present as well-defined, shallow lesions with a pale or yellowish centre surrounded by an inflamed red border.
Pain or discomfort when eating or speaking
The exposed ulcer surface is sensitive to contact, acidic foods, salt and spices — causing a stinging or burning sensation during meals and conversation.
Red or inflamed surrounding tissue
The tissue immediately around the ulcer often appears reddened and swollen, reflecting the local inflammatory response.
Burning or tingling before appearance
Many individuals experience a prodromal tingling, burning or prickling sensation in the area one to two days before the ulcer becomes visible.
Single or multiple ulcers
Minor aphthous ulcers often appear singly or in small groups. More severe forms may involve larger or numerous ulcers affecting wider areas of the mouth.
Recurrent episodes
Some individuals experience repeated episodes over months or years, with ulcers resolving and then returning — sometimes in the same location, sometimes in different areas.
If ulcers persist beyond three weeks, increase in size or number, or are accompanied by other symptoms, professional assessment is recommended.
Why It Happens
Common Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of aphthous ulcers is not fully understood, but a range of factors are recognised as triggers. In many cases, more than one factor contributes to an outbreak.
Minor trauma
Accidental biting of the cheek, lip or tongue, irritation from braces, rough dental work or ill-fitting dentures, and vigorous toothbrushing can all damage the delicate oral lining and trigger ulcer formation.
Stress or fatigue
Emotional stress, anxiety and physical exhaustion are widely recognised triggers. Ulcer outbreaks often coincide with demanding periods, examinations, or times of reduced sleep and recovery.
Nutritional deficiencies
Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, folate or zinc have been associated with increased susceptibility to mouth ulcers. Addressing deficiencies through diet or supplementation may help in some individuals.
Hormonal changes
Some individuals notice ulcers coinciding with hormonal fluctuations — for example during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause — suggesting a hormonal influence on susceptibility.
Food sensitivities
Certain foods — including citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy dishes, chocolate and foods containing sodium lauryl sulphate — can trigger or exacerbate ulcers in susceptible individuals.
Underlying health conditions
In some cases, recurrent ulcers may be associated with conditions such as coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Behçet's disease or immune system factors. Clinical evaluation can help identify these.
When to Seek Help
When Mouth Ulcers May Require Assessment
Most mouth ulcers resolve on their own within one to two weeks and do not require professional intervention. However, there are circumstances in which dental assessment is advisable to rule out underlying causes and ensure appropriate care.
Professional evaluation is recommended if ulcers persist beyond three weeks, as non-healing oral lesions should be examined to exclude less common conditions. Frequent recurrence — where ulcers return regularly over months or years — may also benefit from investigation, particularly where the pattern changes or the episodes become more severe.
Assessment is also appropriate where ulcers are unusually large, increasing in number, or causing significant difficulty with eating, drinking or speaking. Where the cause of ulceration is unclear — or where ulcers are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain or digestive issues — a thorough clinical examination can help identify contributing factors and guide management.
Your Options
Treatment and Management Options
Management depends on clinical assessment of the type, frequency and severity of ulcers, as well as any identified triggers or underlying factors. Treatment varies based on cause, and a personalised approach is recommended.
General Dentistry
Comprehensive dental assessment to evaluate the oral tissues, identify potential triggers and provide tailored advice for managing mouth ulcers.
Learn MorePrivate Dentist
Thorough clinical examination in an unhurried private setting, with time to discuss recurrent ulcers, possible causes and management strategies.
Learn MoreDental Hygienist
Professional cleaning and oral hygiene guidance to maintain a healthy mouth environment and reduce irritation that may contribute to ulcer formation.
Learn MoreEmergency Dentist
Prompt assessment for severe or unusually painful ulcers, or where symptoms are causing significant difficulty with eating, drinking or daily function.
Learn MoreBleeding & Swelling
Assessment for oral soft tissue concerns including bleeding, swelling and ulceration that may indicate gum disease or other conditions.
Learn MoreTooth Sensitivity
Evaluation for sensitivity that may accompany mouth ulcers or other oral conditions, with management tailored to individual needs.
Learn MoreManagement may include identification and avoidance of known triggers, advice on oral care and hygiene practices, symptom management approaches, monitoring of recurrent ulcers, and referral for further assessment where required. Where an underlying systemic condition is suspected, liaison with medical colleagues may be appropriate.
Your First Step
Importance of Professional Dental Assessment
Persistent or recurrent ulcers may require professional evaluation to understand their cause and to ensure that any underlying factors are identified. A dental examination allows the clinician to assess the ulcer directly, consider the pattern and history, and look for signs that may point to a specific trigger or condition.
The assessment may include examination of the oral tissues, gums and tongue, a review of your medical and dental history, and discussion of lifestyle factors such as diet, stress and oral hygiene habits. Where appropriate, blood tests or referral for specialist opinion may be recommended.
Advice can be tailored to individual needs — whether that involves simple trigger avoidance, changes to oral hygiene products, nutritional guidance, or further investigation. Early assessment may help manage symptoms more effectively and provide reassurance where ulcers are causing concern.
What to Expect
- 1Discussion of your ulcer history — including frequency, duration, location and any patterns you have noticed
- 2Visual examination of the mouth, tongue, gums and soft tissues to assess the current ulcer and look for other signs
- 3Review of potential triggers including diet, oral hygiene products, stress levels and any dental appliances or restorations
- 4Assessment of medical history and any medications that may contribute to ulcer susceptibility
- 5Clear explanation of findings, with personalised advice on trigger avoidance, symptom management and oral care
- 6Referral for further investigation or specialist opinion where recurrent or persistent ulcers may indicate an underlying condition
Two Convenient Locations
Visit Us in Central London
Assessment and treatment planning for mouth ulcers and other dental concerns are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can help determine appropriate care options.
South Kensington
Now Open20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 6 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
1 min from South Kensington tube (District, Circle & Piccadilly)
City of London
Opening May 20265 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London EC4M 7AQ
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
3 min from St Paul's tube (Central line) · 5 min from Blackfriars
Common Questions
Mouth Ulcers FAQ
Your Dental Team
Experienced Dentists
All our dentists are GDC registered and experienced in assessing oral soft tissue conditions, including mouth ulcers, with careful, personalised care.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
GDC: 229601
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Your Safety Is Our Priority
Our South Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
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CQC Provider: Medical and Dental Limited · Registration No. 1-20629579981
Assessment for Mouth Ulcers
Persistent Mouth Ulcers?
If you are experiencing persistent or recurrent mouth ulcers, a professional dental assessment can help identify possible causes and determine appropriate management options based on your individual needs.
