Mouth sores, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, injury, viral infections, or certain medical conditions. Mouth sores are usually not serious and go away on their own within a week or two, but they can be uncomfortable and make eating and talking difficult.
| Causes | Oral Herpes, Canker Sores, Behcet's Disease |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Baking soda paste, Honey, Aloe vera |
| Preventive Options | Practice good oral hygiene, Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, Be gentle |
| Treatment Options | Canker sores, Oral thrush, Oral lichen planus |
| Specialist | ENT Specialist |
Mouth sores refer to the presence of painful or irritating lesions on the soft tissues in and around the mouth. These sores can occur on the tongue, lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, or the roof of the mouth. There are different types of mouth sores, including canker sores, cold sores, and oral thrush. Canker sores are small, round or oval-shaped ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and appear as fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that can cause white, creamy patches to appear on the tongue, throat, and inside of the cheeks. Treatment for mouth sores depends on the underlying cause and may include over-the-counter pain relievers, topical ointments, or antifungal medications.
Mouth sores can cause pain and discomfort and may be accompanied by various symptoms, including:
Mouth sores are a common condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and irritation in the mouth. There are different types of mouth sores that can occur due to various reasons. Here are some examples:
| Types of Mouth Sores | Description |
| Canker sores | These are small, painful ulcers that can occur on the inside of the mouth, on the tongue, or on the lips. They are not contagious and usually go away within one to two weeks. |
| Cold sores | Also known as fever blisters, these are fluid-filled blisters that can occur on the lips or around the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. They usually heal within two to four weeks. |
| Thrush | Also known as oral candidiasis, this is a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth. It appears as white or yellow patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or the inside of the cheeks. It can be treated with antifungal medications. |
| Herpangina | This is a viral infection that can cause small, painful sores in the back of the mouth and throat. It is contagious and can be caused by several types of viruses. |
| Hand, foot, and mouth disease | This is a viral infection that can cause sores in the mouth, on the hands, and on the feet. It is contagious and is most common in children under the age of five. |
Mouth sores can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Here are some medical conditions that can cause mouth sores
Oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters, is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It typically causes small, fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around the lips, but can also occur inside the mouth. The blisters may be painful and can break open, leaving a crusty sore that eventually heals on its own.
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that appear on the inside of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and cheeks. They are not contagious and usually heal on their own within a week or two. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but they may be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that primarily affects young children. It causes small, painful sores on the inside of the mouth, as well as on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. The sores may be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
Behcet's disease is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause mouth sores, as well as genital sores, skin lesions, and eye inflammation. The cause of Behcet's disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal immune system activity. Treatment may involve medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Deficiencies in certain vitamins, such as B vitamins and iron, can cause mouth sores. This is because these vitamins play a key role in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. People who follow restrictive diets, such as vegans or those with gastrointestinal disorders, may be at increased risk of vitamin deficiencies.
Mouth sores that do not heal or that persist for more than two weeks may be a sign of oral cancer. Other symptoms may include swelling, pain, difficulty swallowing, and changes in the way the teeth fit together. Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to certain viruses, such as HPV.
Mouth sores can have various causes, and a diagnosis is often made based on a combination of factors, such as the location, appearance, and symptoms of the sores, as well as the individual's medical history. Here are some diagnostic tests that may be used to identify the underlying cause of mouth sores are given in the following
The choice of medication for mouth sores will depend on the underlying cause of the sores. Here are some common medications used to treat different types of mouth sores are given in the following.
Cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, can be treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sores.
Canker sores are often treated with topical medications such as corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be helpful in reducing pain.
Oral thrush, which is caused by a fungal infection, can be treated with antifungal medications such as nystatin or fluconazole. These medications can help reduce the growth of the fungus and improve symptoms.
Oral lichen planus, which is an autoimmune disorder, may be treated with topical corticosteroids or systemic medications such as prednisone. Immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine may also be used in severe cases.
Geographic tongue does not require any specific medication. However, if there is pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful.
Surgery is not typically the first-line treatment for mouth sores. The treatment for mouth sores depends on the underlying cause of the sores.
If the mouth sores are caused by a viral infection, such as herpes simplex virus, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak. If the sores are caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
If the sores are related to an autoimmune condition such as lupus or pemphigus, medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed to control the symptoms. If the sores are related to cancer, treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
In some cases, if the mouth sores are large or persistent and are interfering with daily activities such as eating, speaking or drinking, surgical intervention may be considered as a last resort. This may involve removing the affected tissue or repairing any damage caused by the sores.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a dentist to determine the underlying cause of your mouth sores and the appropriate treatment plan. Here are some home remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort caused by mouth sores:
Mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly onto the sore and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. Baking soda can help neutralize acidity in the mouth and promote healing.
Apply a small amount of honey directly onto the sore. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the sore.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil onto the sore. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help promote healing.
Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel directly onto the sore. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help soothe the sore.
Brew a cup of chamomile tea, let it cool down and then rinse your mouth with it several times a day. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Here are some preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing mouth sores are given in the following.
Mouth sores are a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While they may be a temporary and harmless sensation in some cases, there are certain warning signs and symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying condition. It is important to be aware of these signs and symptoms in order to determine when medical attention is necessary.
Here are some warning signs and symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition and warrant a visit to a doctor if you have mouth sores:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to mouth sores, it is important to seek medical attention right away. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as oral cancer, herpes simplex virus, or an autoimmune disorder. In some cases, prompt medical treatment can be life-saving.
If you have mouth sores and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified mouth sores doctor. A doctor specializing in treating mouth sores, such as a ENT Specialist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for mouth sores. You can book an appointment with one to start your mouth sores treatment today.
Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata
Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi NCR
Rs. 800 Consult Fees
Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your mouth sores. If you are experiencing mouth sores In that case, it is important to visit a mouth sores hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for mouth sores treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1940
🛌220 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Super Speciality Hospital
Established in 1950
🛌350 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about mouth sores.
What causes sores in the mouth?
Mouth sores are often caused by injury, infection, or certain medical conditions. The most common type of mouth sore is a canker sore, which can be triggered by stress, acidic or spicy foods, or a weakened immune system.
How do you heal sores in your mouth?
To heal mouth sores, it's important to keep the area clean and avoid irritating the sore with hard or crunchy foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers or topical gels can also help alleviate pain and inflammation.
How long do mouth sores last?
The duration of mouth sores can vary depending on the cause and severity of the sore. Canker sores usually heal within 1-2 weeks, while cold sores caused by the herpes virus can last up to 2-3 weeks.
Reviews by patients on different.
K .Parsad
Manipal Hospital
Dr. Anuj Goel has been a wonderful experience for me. He is a cheerful, lively, and upbeat individual. He provides us with actual, actionable, and concrete solutions to our situation. I am quite comfortable discussing any topic connected to life with you. Both mam and sir are the most nicest people I've ever encountered. I am completely satisfied.
Shikha Jain
CARE Hospital
Dr. has been a wonderful experience for me. He is a cheerful, lively, and upbeat individual. He provides us with actual, actionable, and concrete solutions to our situation. I am quite comfortable discussing any topic connected to life with you. Both mam and sir are the most nicest people I've ever encountered. I am completely satisfied.
P.Harshith Rao
Manipal Hospital
My time with Dr. has been excellent. He is a cheerful, lively, and upbeat individual. He provides us with actual, actionable, and concrete solutions to our situation. I am quite comfortable discussing any topic connected to life with you. Both mam and sir are the most nicest people I've ever encountered. I am completely satisfied.
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