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Treating mouth sores

Did you know that 1 in 5 people suffers from mouth sores? But what exactly are they, how do they develop, and, most importantly, what can you do about them?

What are mouth sores?

Mouth sores (also called aphthous ulcers) are small, round or oval spots that appear grey-white with a red border. They often form on the inside of the cheeks, lips, under the tongue, on the gums, or on the roof of the mouth.

They can be quite painful, especially when eating or drinking, but the good news is that they are not contagious and usually heal on their own.

What causes mouth sores?

The exact cause of mouth sores isn’t fully known, but research and experience show that they can be triggered or worsened by several factors, such as:

  • Stress or emotional tension
  • Hormonal changes
  • Hereditary sensitivity
  • Deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C, or folic acid
  • Side effects of medication (e.g. fentanyl)
  • Low immune resistance
  • Accidentally biting the cheek or lip
  • A dry mouth
  • Ill-fitting dentures or braces
  • Small injuries inside the mouth

Although annoying, mouth sores are generally harmless and temporary.

What can you do against mouth sores?

Most mouth sores disappear within about two weeks. During that time, you can reduce discomfort and support healing by following a few simple tips:

  • Avoid spicy or strongly seasoned food.
  • Limit acidic drinks like soda or orange juice.
  • Eat soft foods and avoid sharp or crunchy textures (such as baguette or toast).
  • Try not to touch the sores with your tongue, fingers, or toothbrush.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent irritation.
  • Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins through a balanced diet.
  • Hold an ice cube gently against the sore for a soothing effect.

How can you treat mouth sores?

While mouth sores heal naturally, pain can sometimes make it difficult to eat or drink. In those cases, a few over-the-counter or professional products can provide relief:

  • Perio-Aid mouth rinse – available at Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Rotterdam
  • Perio-Aid toothpaste – available at Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Rotterdam
  • Lidocaine mouth gel – available at pharmacies (numbs the sore temporarily)
  • Evisense mouth-sore gel – available at most drugstores
These products help reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote faster healing.

Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Rotterdam’s advice

At Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Rotterdam, we see mouth sores regularly and understand how uncomfortable they can be. In most cases, they will disappear on their own but if the pain persists longer than two weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with eating or speaking, it’s important to schedule a consultation.

Our dentists and hygienists will carefully check your mouth, rule out underlying causes, and help you find the right treatment to ease your symptoms.

Because at Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Rotterdam, we believe that comfort and care go hand in hand.

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