Mouth Ulcers: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as canker sores, mouth sores.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores inside the lips, cheeks or on the tongue that make eating and talking uncomfortable. Most are harmless, triggered by minor injury, stress or certain foods, and heal within one to two weeks. An ulcer that refuses to heal after three weeks must be examined.
Symptoms
Small round or oval sores with a white or yellow centre
Burning or stinging pain, worse with spicy or acidic food
Sores inside lips, cheeks, tongue or floor of the mouth
Sometimes several sores at once
Healing within 7 to 14 days
Causes & risk factors
Minor injury — biting the cheek, hard brushing, sharp foods
Stress and fatigue
Vitamin B12, folate or iron deficiency
Hormonal changes; certain foods
Underlying conditions when ulcers are frequent or persistent
Treatment & self-care
Most ulcers heal on their own; warm salt-water rinses, soft bland foods and pharmacy gels ease the pain meanwhile. Frequent crops of ulcers deserve a check for deficiencies or underlying illness. Avoid silver nitrate, battery contents or caustic home applications.
See a doctor urgently if
An ulcer lasting more than three weeks
An ulcer that is painless but persistent (needs cancer check)
Ulcers with fever, eye or genital sores
Ulcers so painful you cannot eat or drink
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Mouth Ulcers?
Early signs often include small round or oval sores with a white or yellow centre, burning or stinging pain, worse with spicy or acidic food, sores inside lips, cheeks, tongue or floor of the mouth. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Mouth Ulcers be treated?
Most ulcers heal on their own; warm salt-water rinses, soft bland foods and pharmacy gels ease the pain meanwhile. Frequent crops of ulcers deserve a check for deficiencies or underlying illness. Avoid silver nitrate, battery contents or caustic home applications.
When should I see a doctor about Mouth Ulcers?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: an ulcer lasting more than three weeks; an ulcer that is painless but persistent (needs cancer check); ulcers with fever, eye or genital sores; ulcers so painful you cannot eat or drink.