How to Treat a Painful Ulcer on the Tongue or Gums

Mouth ulcer is a general term for different sores that can cause distinct types of pain.

• Minor canker sores ⁠— Small, round sores with a reddish border. They are the most common type of mouth ulcer and tend to go away on their own after a week or two.
• Major canker sores ⁠— These are larger, deeper, and excruciatingly painful ulcers and may take several weeks or months to fully heal, sometimes leaving a scar.
• Herpetiform ulcers ⁠— They appear as a cluster of tiny, pinpoint ulcers that typically heal within a month.

Treatment and Remedies for Mouth Sores

Having a mouth ulcer can be incredibly disruptive and painful. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve the pain and speed up healing, depending on the severity of your case.

Here’s what you can do:

Home Remedies

You can use natural remedies at home to heal a mouth sore. Things like baking soda paste, turmeric, honey, aloe vera gel, or cooled chamomile tea as a rinse can help relieve pain.

Other methods include:

• Saltwater rinse to promote healing
• Sucking on ice cubes to numb the pain
• Soft, bland foods like yogurt, applesauce, etc. to avoid irritation
• Swishing coconut oil for its antimicrobial properties

Over-the-Counter Medication

You can find over-the-counter medications at the pharmacy that can help relieve pain from mouth sores. These include: 

• Numbing gels or patches
• Protective patches
• Mouthwash and rinses
• Vitamin B-12 supplements

Professional Treatment

Dentists and doctors can examine your canker sore and determine the problem and its severity. If necessary, they can perform a biopsy to rule out anything scary or serious.

But overall, if your ulcer is extremely painful or lasts more than two weeks, you should visit a doctor or dentist. They’ll typically prescribe:

• Stronger painkillers 
• Topical medications with corticosteroids 
• Prescription-strength mouthwash

If your ulcer stems from an underlying medical condition, the doctor might treat this medical condition to prevent recurring mouth sores. 

What Causes Mouth Sores and Ulcers?

Although the exact cause of mouth ulcers is often unclear, they can be caused by various potential triggers. Some of the more common ones include:

• Injury ⁠— Accidentally biting your tongue, rough brushing, new dentures, etc.
• Stress and hormones ⁠— Feeling overwhelmed or dealing with hormonal shifts (like during your menstrual cycle) can set the stage for an ulcer.
• Food sensitivities ⁠— Acidic fruits, spicy foods, or other sensitivities may trigger ulcers.
• Vitamin deficiencies ⁠— A lack of vitamin B12, iron, and other nutrients can contribute to mouth ulcers.
• Health conditions ⁠— Some underlying medical issues, like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause ulcers.

Symptoms of a Mouth Ulcer

Common symptoms of ulcers include an open, painful sore on your tongue, cheek, gums, or lips. An ulcer in your mouth may change color, ranging from white and yellow to red.

You might notice swelling and redness around the sore. Sharp, painful sensations when you eat, talk, or brush your teeth are also common.

How to Prevent and Manage Mouth Ulcers

Good oral health and hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent sores. You should also stay hydrated and change your diet to avoid acidic, spicy, or crunchy food.

If your sores are caused by stress, try finding ways to stay calm, such as yoga or meditation. Lastly, visiting your dentist regularly helps your dentist catch problems early and address any underlying factors that can cause sores.

While mouth ulcers can be frustrating, taking proactive steps to maintain your oral health and practicing simple self-care can make a big difference. Don't hesitate to talk to your dentist if you're struggling with recurring ulcers.

When Should You Get Help?

Most mouth sores are harmless and go away on their own. But, sometimes, they can be a sign of something more serious, including oral cancer.

Here's when it's time to ditch the home remedies and seek professional help:

• No improvement ⁠— If the ulcer lasts more than two weeks without improvement, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist or doctor.
• Unusual symptoms ⁠— If your mouth sore is accompanied by fever, rashes, or difficulty swallowing, you need to get a check-up.
• Large size ⁠— Unusually large sores, clusters of sores, or ones that extend beyond your mouth might need special treatment or investigation.
• Persistent sores ⁠⁠— See a doctor if your sores keep coming back after they’ve healed.
• Color/texture changes ⁠— If your sore has red or white patches, don't ignore it⁠—have it professionally evaluated.

Why Your Medical History Matters

Your dentist or doctor may ask about your medical history to determine whether there are any underlying causes of your ulcers. This includes conditions like autoimmune diseases or hormonal changes that can cause stress.

They might also check if you’re taking medications that can cause mouth sores. This is because certain medications can cause dry mouth, making you more prone to mouth sores.

Ruling out allergies can also help them determine the best treatment for you. Sometimes, ingredients in toothpaste or certain foods can cause allergic reactions that result in sores.

Potential Complications and Related Health Concerns

Usually, mouth ulcers are just a minor inconvenience. But sometimes, they can be a red flag for a more serious condition. 

Persistent or recurring mouth ulcers can be a key symptom of:

• Mouth cancer ⁠— Indicated by sores that won’t heal alongside other symptoms like lumps, unexplained bleeding, or numbness.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) ⁠— Diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the mouth, leading to ulcers that sometimes appear before intestinal symptoms.
• Autoimmune disorders ⁠— Several autoimmune diseases can cause recurrent mouth ulcers.

Spotting these conditions early can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. When any underlying cause for mouth ulcers is addressed, you can enjoy better oral health, less pain, and a healthier life overall.