Aphthous mouth ulcers

Aphthous ulcers are painful, shallow sores inside the mouth. They are usually harmless, not contagious and heal on their own. However, a persistent or unusual mouth ulcer needs investigation.

• A typical small aphthous ulcer is round or oval, with a white-yellow or grey centre and a red border.
• It occurs on the soft mouth lining, such as inside the lip or cheek, under the tongue or along its edge.
• Most small aphthous ulcers heal within one to two weeks without a scar.
• Soft, cool food, a soft toothbrush and avoiding acidic, spicy, salty, hard and very hot foods may reduce pain.
• A pharmacist may recommend a protective, numbing, anti-inflammatory or antiseptic product. Not every product is suitable for children or during pregnancy.
• Frequently recurring, very large or numerous aphthous ulcers may be associated with a deficiency, bowel disease, a medicine or a less common inflammatory condition.
• Have any mouth ulcer that has not healed after three weeks assessed by a doctor or dentist.
• Seek help sooner for fever, dehydration, reduced immunity, weight loss, a hard edge, bleeding or ulcers elsewhere on the body.