There are two different types of mouth ulcer. A traumatic ulcer is caused by direct damage to the tongue or inside of the cheek from biting or irritation from a sharp or badly-fitting denture.

The exact cause of the other type, recurrent mouth ulcers, is unknown, although they may be linked to stress, sensitivity to certain foods or a vitamin deficiency. Some women find that mouth ulcers are linked to their menstrual cycle.

Stress is a possible cause of recurrent mouth ulcers

What are the symptoms?

Ulcers can appear inside the cheeks and on the gums, tongue or roof of the mouth. A sufferer may get up to six at a time. They can appear as pale yellow swellings, but the surrounding area may be red. Small ulcers are not always painful, but large ulcers can be very painful and may make eating difficult.

What are the treatment options?

Ulcers will heal of their own accord, but a topical anaesthetic, such as lidocaine (examples: Anbesol Adult Strength Gel, Medijel Gel) or benzocaine (example: Orajel Mouth Gel) can numb ulcers, relieve pain and reduce denture irritation, or a pain relieving gel with choline salicylate (example: Bonjela) can be recommended. Oral pain relief gels containing choline salicylate should not be used by people under 16 years.

An antibacterial mouthwash, gel or spray, such as one that contains chlorhexidine, can also relieve pain and prevent traumatic ulcers from becoming infected. Example: Corsodyl Mouth Spray.