Mouth sores are common ailments that affect many people at some point in their lives. Show
These sores can appear on any of the soft tissues of your mouth, including the lips, inside of your cheeks, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of your mouth. Mouth sores, which include canker sores, are usually a minor irritation and last only 1 or 2 weeks. In some cases, they can indicate an infection from a virus, such as herpes simplex, or more severe causes, such as mouth cancer. Sores in your mouth may be caused by a common or short-lasting condition such as:
Mouth sores may also be caused by a long-lasting condition or a more serious disease, including:
Keep reading to learn about the causes and symptoms of mouth sores — and how to recognize and get rid of them. Different conditions can cause mouth sores, according to the Merck Manual. They may look different depending on the cause. Mouth sores can appear a different color than the surrounding tissue, including white, yellow, red, or purple. The following images show different types of mouth sores. These images are not intended to provide a diagnosis. If you have unexplained mouth sores or mouth sores that come back or last for a long time, it is best to visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Canker soresCanker sores may look like small oval-shaped ulcers in your mouth that appear white, gray, or yellow. They may be surrounded by a red “halo” of irritation. They may also appear as a painful red area. Share on PinterestA canker sore is a small shallow ulcer on the inside of your mouth. frank600/Getty Images Canker sores are also called aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcers. According to 2021 research, they are common and affect about 20 percent of the general population. They are usually harmless and heal on their own in a couple of weeks. If you have recurring ulcers, it may be due to other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, vitamin deficiency, or HIV. Canker sores may classified by their size. This can include:
What causes canker sores in your mouth?Canker sores are commonly caused by trauma like biting the inside of your cheek, burns, allergies, or sensitivities. They may have other causes as well. However, canker sores are not contagious. Certain conditions may make you more prone to them. These can include:
Cold soresCold sores look like fluid-filled blisters that appear near the mouth and lips. They can appear red or darker in color. The affected area may tingle or burn before the sore is visible. Share on PinterestCold sores are tiny blisters that appear on the lip. LPETTET/Getty Images Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1). Outbreaks may also be accompanied by mild, flu-like symptoms, such as low fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. This virus can be dormant inside of your body. Sores may appear when the virus reactivates and last for 2 to 6 weeks, according to 2021 research. This can occur when the immune system is weak or during times of stress. Outbreaks are more common if you:
The virus that causes cold sores is contagious and can be spread through contact with cold sores. It can be spread through kissing, sharing food, or sharing cosmetics. It is also possible to catch HSV-1 when sores cannot be seen. Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2), can look similar in appearance to cold sores. Both viruses may be spread through sex without a condom or other barrier method if you or your partner has an active outbreak. Folate deficiency and anemiaA folate deficiency is caused by not having enough folate, also known as vitamin B9. Folate is an important B vitamin used to make and repair DNA. It’s critical to proper development in embryos. Being deficient in folate can also lead to folate deficiency anemia. Anemia occurs when your supply of red blood cells is too low. When your red blood cells are reduced, damaged, or impaired, you may have problems transporting enough oxygen throughout your body. It can have an impact on different organ systems in your body. Both folate deficiency and anemia can cause mouth sores. While folate deficiency can cause anemia, other types of anemia, like iron deficiency anemia, can cause mouth sores as well. These sores may look like small mouth ulcers or canker sores and be white, gray, yellow, or red in color. Share on PinterestAnemia can present in many ways, including skin changes. Casa nayafana/Shutterstock Folate deficiency may also cause additional symptoms, including:
Anemia can also cause additional symptoms that may include:
Anemia has many causes and may occur quickly or over a long period of time. Anemia that occurs quickly may be caused by:
Chronic anemia may be related to autoimmune diseases, inherited genetic conditions, overexposure to lead, and other conditions. GingivostomatitisGingivostomatitis is a common infection of the mouth and gums, often seen in children. It produces tender sores on the gums or insides of the cheeks. Like canker sores, they can appear grayish or yellow on the outside and red in the center. Pain can range from mild to severe. Share on PinterestSwelling and sores in the mouth is known as gingivostomatitis. James Heilman, MD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons If you have gingivostomatitis, you may also experience mild, flu-like symptoms. These sores may also lead to drooling and pain with eating. Young children may refuse to eat. Ulcers caused by this condition can last about 2 to 3 weeks, according to 2021 research. Gingivostomatitis is often caused by viral infections, such as HSV-1 and coxsackievirus, and bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus. These infections can also be caused by not flossing and brushing teeth regularly. Infectious mononucleosisInfectious mononucleosis, also known as mono, can occur with a rash. This rash can occur on the skin or inside of your mouth. Flat spots may appear pink or purple. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It often affects adolescents and young adults in high school and college. Share on PinterestInfectious mono presents with sore throat with discharge. Another Average Joe/Getty Images Symptoms typically last for 2 to 4 weeks but may last weeks longer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms may also include:
Oral thrushOral thrush is a yeast infection that develops on the inside of your mouth and on your tongue. It’s most common in infants and children, but it may be a sign of a weakened immune system in adults. Having dry mouth or taking medications like antibiotics may increase your risk of developing it. It looks like creamy white bumps that appear on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or tonsils and can be scraped off. Share on PinterestOral thrush appears as white fungus on the tongue. Victoria 1/Shutterstock Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally occurs in the body. The CDC says this condition is usually treated with antifungal medications for 7 to 14 days. Additional symptoms may include:
Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses in the enterovirus family. It’s common in children under the age of 5. It causes painful red blisters in the mouth and on the tongue and gums. You may also experience flat or raised red spots located on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, buttocks, or genital area. On darker skin tones, bumps may appear skin-colored or grayish-brown in color. Share on PinterestHand, foot, and mouth disease presents as mouth sores with rash on the hands and feet. adriaticfoto/Shutterstock Other symptoms may include:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is contagious but usually not serious. It usually resolves in 7 to 10 days, according to the CDC. The infection is more contagious during the first week. LeukoplakiaOral leukoplakia is a white patch that develops in the mouth. It is common in people who use tobacco of all kinds. Leukoplakia may look like thick, white patches on your tongue and the lining of your mouth. They may be raised, hard, or have a “hairy” appearance. Share on PinterestOral leukoplakia resembles a white patch. Photography courtesy of Michael Gaither/Wikimedia Leukoplakia can be harmless and often goes away on its own. But 2021 research suggests 1 to 9 percent of people with this condition may develop oral cancer. If you have this condition, visit a doctor, who may take a sample of the cells for diagnosis. Regular dental appointments may help catch leukoplakia. Oral lichen planusOral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the mucous membranes of the gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue. It may cause white, lacy, raised patches of tissue in the mouth that can resemble spiderwebs. It may also cause tender, swollen patches that are bright red with ulcers. Open ulcers may bleed and cause pain when you eat or brush your teeth. They may also burn or sting. Share on PinterestLichen planus causes a lacy white rash which can present in the mouth. Dermatology11/Getty Images Lichen planus is not contagious. However, it is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Medication, such as corticosteroids and immune response medications, along with using a mild toothpaste may help manage symptoms. Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an atypical immune system response to gluten that can damage the lining of the small intestine. Damage to the villi — the small hair-like threads in your small intestine — may lead to poor absorption of important dietary nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, and calcium. Vitamin deficiency can lead to conditions like anemia. This may increase your risk of developing mouth ulcers. Share on PinterestCeliac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten, which presents with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. Vicki Smith/Getty Images Symptoms range in severity and may differ between adults and children. They can include:
In children, symptoms may include:
Celiac disease is a chronic condition and has no cure. You can manage celiac disease through diet and avoiding gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, and tritical. People with celiac disease may also experience symptoms from cross contamination with these ingredients. Mouth cancerMouth cancer, or oral cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the mouth or oral cavity. This includes the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, front two-thirds of the tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth. Cancer is caused by the growth and spread of abnormal cells. Oral cancer may look like ulcers, white patches, or red patches that appear inside the mouth or on the lips and do not heal. Doctors use the terms leukoplakia and erythroplakia to describe these tissue changes inside the mouth. Share on PinterestOral cancer can affect the gums. Photography courtesy of Bionerd/wikimedia Other symptoms of oral cancer may include:
If you have unexplained white patches inside your mouth, visit a doctor. They can perform a biopsy to check for cancerous or precancerous cells. Early detection of cancers such as oral cancer can improve your outlook. Pemphigus vulgarisPemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease. Having an autoimmune disease means that your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your body. Pemphigus vulgaris affects the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, anus, and lungs. It can cause painful, itchy skin blisters that break and bleed easily. Blisters in the mouth and throat may cause pain with swallowing and eating. Share on PinterestSkin blisters caused by pemphigus vulgaris. Photography by DermNet New Zealand Symptoms of pemphigus vulgaris can include:
Treatment usually involves systemic corticosteroids. They typically take effect within 3 months, according to 2021 research. In most cases, mouth sores cause some redness and pain, especially when eating and drinking. They can also cause a burning or tingling sensation around the sore. Depending on the size, severity, and location of the sores in your mouth, they can make it difficult to eat, drink, swallow, talk, or breathe. The sores may also develop blisters. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Several things can lead to mouth sores, ranging from minor everyday causes to serious illnesses. Usually, a mouth sore might develop if you:
Occasionally, mouth sores are the result of — or a reaction to — the following:
You can usually tell when you have a mouth sore without needing a healthcare professional’s diagnosis. However, contact a healthcare professional if you:
During your visit, a healthcare professional will examine your mouth, tongue, and lips. If they suspect you have cancer, they may perform a biopsy and run some tests. Minor mouth sores often go away naturally within 1 to 2 weeks. Some simple home remedies might help reduce the pain and possibly speed up the healing process. You may want to:
Mouth sore medicationsIf you see a healthcare professional for your mouth sores, they may prescribe a pain medication, anti-inflammatory drug, or steroid gel. If your mouth sores are a result of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, your healthcare professional might provide a medication to treat the infection. In cases of mouth cancer, a biopsy will be taken first. Afterward, you may need surgery or chemotherapy. There is no absolute way to prevent all mouth sores. However, you can take certain steps to lower the chance of getting them. These may include:
In most cases, mouth sores have no long-term effects. In some cases, they may leave scarring. If you have herpes simplex, the sores may reappear. Cold sores may also cause scarring. In cases of cancer, your long-term side effects and outlook depend on the type, severity, and treatment of your cancer. Mouth sores are common and usually last only 1 or 2 weeks. They can make eating and drinking painful. Some over-the-counter rinses, gels, or medications may help. Severe or recurring mouth sores may be a sign of a chronic or more serious condition. If you have frequent unexplained mouth sores or mouth sores that won’t go away, contact a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Why do I get blisters in my mouth after eating?People get mouth ulcers if they are lacking certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. If your body is low on zinc, iron, B12 and/or folate then there's a high chance you will get recurring sores. To boost your levels of these, get more of these foods in your diet: Zinc: oysters, whole grains and legumes.
Why do I suddenly have blisters in my mouth?There are many things that cause mouth ulcers. The most common cause is injury (such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek). Other causes include aphthous ulceration, certain medications, skin rashes in the mouth, viral, bacterial and fungal infections, chemicals and some medical conditions.
Can certain foods trigger mouth ulcers?However, the following may help to reduce your risk of developing mouth ulcers: avoiding certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour, if they cause you to have an ulcer. not chewing gum.
|