What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers (canker sores) are small, painful lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside your mouth or at the base of your gums. While most are harmless and heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, recurring or unusually large ulcers may need professional attention.

Common Causes

• Minor injuries from dental work, biting your cheek, or hard brushing
• Sensitivity to acidic or spicy foods
• Stress or lack of sleep
• Vitamin deficiencies (B12, iron, folate)
• Hormonal changes
• Ill-fitting dentures or braces irritation
• Underlying conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease

When to See a Dentist

See a dentist if ulcers are unusually large, keep coming back, last longer than 3 weeks, are spreading, cause severe pain that interferes with eating or drinking, or are accompanied by fever. Persistent sores should always be evaluated to rule out oral cancer.

Treatment and Prevention

We can prescribe medicated mouth rinses, topical treatments, or recommend dietary changes to help manage recurring ulcers. If your ulcers are caused by dental appliances, we can adjust them for a better fit. We also perform oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive exams.