Signs & Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small disruptions of the skin that occur due to changes of the pH level of the mouth. This can be due to diet, stress, lack of sleep or brushing your teeth with toothpaste that irritates your mouth and illness.

Identification

Canker sores, not to be confused with cold sores that appear on the outside of the mouth, are white-colored ulcers on the inside of the cheek, as well as on the gums or tongue. They often have a red ring around the outside.

Symptoms

Mouth ulcers are painful and may cause difficulty talking or eating, especially acidic foods like tomatoes.

Treatments

Over-the-counter numbing gels containing benzocaine are available at drugstores. You can also swish with one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water, once per day.

Considerations

Avoid eating spicy or acidic foods when you have mouth ulcers. Avoid toothpastes that contain sodium laureth sulfate, as they may further irritate the sore.

Warning

If your mouth ulcer makes talking and eating unbearable, see a doctor as soon as possible.

References

• Medline Plus: Canker Sores
• Mayo Clinic: Canker Sore