Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are painful round or oval sores that form in the mouth, often on the inside of the cheeks.

How common are mouth ulcers ?

Mouth ulcers, which are also known as apthous ulcers, are very common. Most people will have at least one during their lifetime. They're particularly common in women and young adults.

Mouth ulcers can't be passed from person to person. For example, you can't get an ulcer from kissing someone or from sharing drinking glasses or cutlery.

Recurrent mouth ulcers

Most people only have mouth ulcers occasionally. However, some people find they keep coming back. These are called recurrent mouth ulcers.

In the UK, one in five adults and about 5%-10% of children suffer from recurrent mouth ulcers.
Recurrent mouth ulcers are often different from those that cause single ulcers.

Symptoms of mouth ulcers 

You can easily tell if you have a mouth ulcer by its appearance. A mouth ulcer is:

• round or oval in shape  
• white, red, yellow or grey in colour 
• inflamed around the edge 

Most mouth ulcers appear on:

• the inside of the lips 
• the inside of the cheeks 
• the floor of the mouth 
• the under surface of the tongue 

It's rare to get a mouth ulcer on the roof of your mouth.

Most mouth ulcers heal within 10 to 14 days, although they may last for several weeks in more severe cases.

Visit your GP if you have a mouth ulcer that:

• gets progressively more painful and inflamed 
• lasts for more than three weeks 

Also visit your GP if you develop an ulcer somewhere else on your body, such as your genitals.

How to treat mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers usually get better by themselves, but there are some self-help measures and medications that can be useful for troublesome ulcers.

One way to prevent getting mouth ulcers in the first place is to make sure you look after your teeth and gums