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Canker sores and mouth ulcers

2 sourcesEvery line checked against its source

In short

Canker sores are small, round sores in your mouth.

What it is1

  • Mouth ulcers are common and usually clear up on their own within a week or 2.

    NHS website

Worth knowing3

  • Canker sores aren't contagious.

    MedlinePlus

  • They are not the same as cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex.

    MedlinePlus

  • Mouth ulcers are rarely a sign of anything serious, but may be uncomfortable to live with.

    NHS website

What helps3

  • In most cases, the sores go away by themselves.

    MedlinePlus

  • Some ointments, creams or rinses may help with the pain.

    MedlinePlus

  • Things that can help: use a soft-bristled toothbrush; drink cool drinks through a straw; eat softer foods; get regular dental check-ups; eat a healthy, balanced diet.

    NHS website

What to avoid1

  • Things to avoid: do not eat very spicy, salty or acidic food; do not eat rough, crunchy food, such as toast or chips; do not drink very hot or acidic drinks, such as fruit juice; do not use toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

    NHS website

See a provider if1

  • See a dentist or health care provider if a mouth ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, is different from ulcers you had before (for example bigger than usual or near the back of your throat), or bleeds or becomes more painful and red, which may be a sign of infection.

    NHS website

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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