Mouth Ulcers Overview
Learn About Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.
Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:
- Canker sores
- Gingivostomatitis
- Herpes simplex (fever blister)
- Leukoplakia
- Oral cancer
- Oral lichen planus
- Oral thrush
A sore caused by histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.
Symptoms will vary, based on the cause of the mouth ulcer. Symptoms may include:
- Open sores in the mouth
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. This can be done by:
- Treating the underlying cause of the ulcer if it is known.
- Gently cleaning your mouth and teeth.
- Rubbing medicines directly on the ulcer, such as antihistamines, antacids, and corticosteroids that may soothe discomfort.
- Avoiding hot or spicy foods until the ulcer is healed.
Gulen Hatemi practices in Cerrahpasa, Turkey. Hatemi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Mouth Ulcers. Their top areas of expertise are Behcet Disease, Mouth Ulcers, Mouth Sores, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Mitsuhiro Takeno practices in Kawasaki, Japan. Takeno is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Mouth Ulcers. Their top areas of expertise are Behcet Disease, Mouth Ulcers, Mouth Sores, Uveitis, and Thymectomy.
Haner Direskeneli practices in Ihlas Marmara Evleri - I. Kisim, Turkey. Direskeneli is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Mouth Ulcers. Their top areas of expertise are Takayasu Arteritis, Behcet Disease, Vasculitis, and Mouth Sores.
The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are harmless and heal without treatment.
Some types of cancer may first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal.
Complications may include:
- Cellulitis of the mouth, from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
- Dental infections (tooth abscesses)
- Oral cancer
- Spread of contagious disorders to other people
Contact your provider if:
- A mouth ulcer does not go away after 3 weeks.
- You have mouth ulcers that return often.
- New symptoms develop.
To help prevent mouth ulcers and complications from them:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- Get regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Summary: The study is a randomized controlled trial. the participants will be equally divided into two groups to compare the clinical effectiveness of vitamin b12 versus kenalog in treatment of traumatic ulcers associated with orthodontic treatment during
Summary: The aim of this study is to estimate the efficacy of apremilast compared to placebo in the treatment of oral ulcers in pediatric participants from 2 to \< 18 years of age with oral ulcers associated with Behçet's disease (BD) through week 12.
Published Date: January 01, 2025
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Jordan RC. Diseases of the mouth and salivary glands. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 393.
Pham KL, Mirowski GW. Oral disease and oral-cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 24.