The Independent Pharmacy
Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues on the inside of your cheeks and lips as well as your tongue. Most commonly, occasional mouth ulcers are triggered by unavoidable causes such as biting your cheek, cuts or burns from food as well as tiredness and stress. Mouth ulcers are not contagious and are not normally serious but they can be painful. Applying a gel, rinse or spray can help to relieve discomfort.

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Mouth Ulcers Treatments

  • Difflam Rinse & Spray

    Difflam Rinse & Spray

    • Fast-acting, powerful relief from a sore throat
    • Reducing both pain and inflammation
    • Suitable for short-term use
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    £5.99
    37 reviews
    Difflam Rinse & Spray
  • Anbesol Liquid

    Anbesol Liquid

    • Oral pain relief from ulcers, dentures, or teething pain
    • Suitable for adults and children aged over 5 months, Fast-acting pain relief as well as protection against infection
    StarStarStarStarStar
    3 reviews
    Anbesol Liquid

Are you experiencing Mouth Ulcers?

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Advice for Mouth Ulcers

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are a common yet painful affliction. They usually present as round or oval sores that are found inside the mouth, developing on the lips, cheeks or tongue. Their appearance can vary; mouth ulcers can be red, white, yellow, or grey and are usually swollen. A sufferer can also experience multiple mouth ulcers at a time, which unfortunately may spread and grow. Although very uncomfortable, mouth ulcers are in most cases harmless. Without treatment, the majority of mouth ulcers will clear up within a fortnight.

There are various possible causes of mouth ulcers. To learn more about this, visit our guide to mouth ulcer causes.

What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers will present as round or oval sores that commonly appear inside the mouth. They can develop on the lips, inner cheeks or tongue. These swollen sores will be either red, white, yellow or grey in colour. Mouth ulcers are normally 2 - 8mm in diameter and may have a raised or defined border.

It is possible to present with multiple mouth ulcers at any given time. These sores can be painful and, depending on location, can make eating, drinking, talking and brushing teeth extremely uncomfortable.

How are mouth ulcers diagnosed?

In most cases, mouth ulcers can be treated at home; there is no need for an official diagnosis. It is only recommended you visit your doctor should any of the following apply:

  • Your mouth ulcers are recurrent and frequent.
  • Your mouth ulcers have persisted for longer than three weeks.
  • Your mouth ulcers have become inflamed and painful, which may suggest a bacterial infection that will require treatment with antibiotics.
  • You also have a fever, swollen glands or other signs of illness.

Mouth ulcers can also be a symptom of hand, foot and mouth disease, which is a viral infection that mainly affects young children. If you are worried or unsure about your mouth ulcers, it is advised to speak to a pharmacist, GP or dentist for an informed diagnosis.

What are the treatments for mouth ulcers?

Usually, mouth ulcers will heal on their own within a week or two. However, to speed up the healing process, we provide a range of treatment options here at The Independent Pharmacy. These include:

  • Antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwashes, such as Corsodyl
  • Liquid anaesthetics, such as Anbesol
  • Oral rinses, such as Difflam

How can I prevent mouth ulcers?

In many cases, it is impossible to prevent mouth ulcers, as they are often the result of things that are out of our control (such as genetics or medical conditions). However, there are steps that can be taken that may help to reduce the risk of developing mouth ulcers. These include:

  • Avoiding foods that are known to be triggers, such as chocolate or spicy foods.
  • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush that will help to reduce irritation in the mouth.
  • Avoid using toothpaste that contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
  • Avoid excessively chewing gum.
  • Reducing your stress and anxiety levels.
  • Try to avoid chewing or biting the inside of your mouth.

Latest guides for Mouth Ulcers

Mouth Ulcers in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Scott McDougall
Written by Scott McDougall

What Causes Mouth Ulcers & How To Treat Them

Scott McDougall
Written by Scott McDougall
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