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Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores inside the mouth. Most are harmless and heal on their own within a week or two, though they can be uncomfortable.
Causes & risk factors
- Minor injury from biting or a hard toothbrush
- Stress or lack of sleep
- Certain foods or acidic items
- Vitamin or iron deficiency
- Hormonal changes
- Some medical conditions
Common symptoms
- Painful round sores in the mouth
- A white, yellow or grey centre with a red edge
- Pain when eating or drinking
- Soreness in the mouth
- One or several ulcers at a time
Tests & diagnosis
- Mouth examination
- Blood count if ulcers recur
- Vitamin B12 and iron studies
- Biopsy for a long-lasting ulcer
Treatment & management
- Most heal by themselves within 1–2 weeks
- Avoiding spicy, acidic or hard foods
- Salt-water or antiseptic mouth rinses
- Protective gels or pastes for comfort
- Treating any vitamin deficiency
When to see a doctor urgently
- An ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks
- A painless ulcer or lump (get it checked)
- Frequent or many ulcers at once
- Ulcers with fever or feeling unwell
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about mouth ulcers. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
When should I worry about a mouth ulcer?
Any ulcer that lasts more than three weeks, or a painless lump or patch, should be checked by a dentist or doctor to rule out serious causes.
Why do I keep getting mouth ulcers?
Recurrent ulcers can be linked to stress, minor injury, or a lack of iron or vitamins. A blood test may help find a treatable cause.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.