Mouth sores (oral ulcers) can affect people of all ages. While many ulcers are harmless and self-limiting, some may indicate infection, nutritional deficiency, systemic disease, or even early cancer.
Common Types & How to Differentiate
1. Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers (Most Common)
- Round/oval ulcers with yellow-white base and red halo
- Occurs on inner cheeks, lips, floor of mouth, underside of tongue
- Very painful
- Minor: heals in 7–10 days
- Major: larger, may take weeks and scar
- Herpetiform: multiple tiny clustered ulcers
Triggers: Stress, trauma, vitamin B12/iron/folate deficiency, spicy food, hormonal changes
2. Traumatic Ulcers
- Caused by sharp tooth, braces, denture, cheek bite
- Irregular margins
- Heals after removing cause
3. Herpetic Ulcers (HSV)
- Primary infection: fever + many painful ulcers (children)
- Recurrent herpes on gums or hard palate
- Often preceded by tingling/burning
4. Systemic Disease–Associated Ulcers
- Behçet’s disease
- Iron/B12 deficiency
- Celiac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- HIV
5. Drug / Chemical Ulcers
- NSAIDs, methotrexate, nicorandil
- Chemical burns from aspirin or clove oil misuse
6. Premalignant / Malignant Ulcers
- Does not heal after 2 weeks
- Hard or rolled borders
- Painless initially
- May have neck lymph node swelling
Patient Care Advice
- Use soft toothbrush
- SLS-free toothpaste
- Avoid spicy and acidic food
- Good sleep and hydration
- Do NOT place clove oil or aspirin on ulcers
Related Articles
Ulcer Not Healing?
Any mouth ulcer lasting more than 2 weeks should be evaluated by a dentist.
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