March 6, 2025
Have you ever felt a sudden stinging sensation in your mouth or had pain swallowing your food and didn't know what it was? Well, you might be having mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers are tiny and painful sores. You can have an ulcer at the back of your mouth, at the top of your mouth, or even on your tongue and gums.
But the tricky part is that mouth ulcers can sometimes be hard to spot, especially in the early stages when they may just feel like a mild irritation. That's why it's important to recognise the signs.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can vary in size, location, and severity. Some can be white, black, or even red. But they often share some common symptoms. Here are the key signs of mouth ulcers to look out for:
Burning or Tingling Sensation
Before a mouth ulcer fully develops, you might feel a burning or slight itching sensation in the affected area. This early warning sign can appear a day or two before the sore becomes visible.
It's your body's way of signalling that an ulcer is forming. It could be an ulcer on the gum line or an ulcer on the side of mouth — paying attention to this sensation may help you take early steps like brushing softly and avoiding acidic foods.
Pain and Discomfort
Mouth ulcers can make simple activities like eating, drinking, or even talking uncomfortable. The pain may range from mild irritation to a sharp, stinging sensation. In some cases, even brushing your teeth can feel painful.
The discomfort usually lessens as the ulcer begins to heal, but larger or deeper sores may take longer and cause more persistent pain.
Redness or Inflammation Around the Affected Area
Mouth ulcers often cause redness and inflammation around the sore, making the affected area look irritated and swollen.
This redness is a sign of the body’s natural healing response but can also make the red mouth ulcer more sensitive to touch, food, and drinks. In some cases, the inflammation may extend slightly beyond the ulcer, adding to the discomfort in gums and jaws. . If the ulcer is near a treated tooth, it may also cause temporary irritation after a root canal procedure.
Difficulty in Chewing or Swallowing
Severe mouth ulcers can make chewing and swallowing painful, especially if they are located on the tongue, inner cheeks, or throat.
In such cases, drinking plenty of water and opting for soft, mild foods can help ease the pain while the ulcers heal.
Increased Sensitivity to Spicy, Salty, or Acidic Foods
A mouth ulcer on the gum can make your mouth extra sensitive, especially to spicy, salty, or acidic foods. Eating something like citrus fruits, chips, or hot sauces may cause a sharp, stinging pain, making meals uncomfortable.
Even mildly flavoured foods might feel more intense than usual. This sensitivity happens because the ulcer exposes delicate nerve endings.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth
Mouth ulcers and bad breath are also closely linked in most cases. This happens because bacteria can accumulate around the sore, causing a mild odour and a lingering bad taste.
In some cases, the irritation from the ulcer may also reduce saliva production, making the mouth feel dry and further contributing to bad breath.
Mild Fever or Swollen Lymph Nodes
In severe cases, mouth ulcers may be accompanied by a mild fever or swollen lymph nodes, especially if the sores are large or caused by an infection.
You might notice tenderness under your jaw or around your neck as your body fights off inflammation. This can make you feel slightly fatigued or unwell.
Bleeding When Ulcers are Irritated
In extreme cases, mouth ulcers may bleed, especially if they are accidentally bitten, irritated by dental fittings like bridges or crowns, or brushed too hard. The sore may ooze a small amount of blood, making eating and speaking even more uncomfortable. Bleeding ulcers can take longer to heal and may increase the risk of infection.
When to See a Dentist for Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are a common issue, but recognising their signs can help you manage them better and prevent unnecessary discomfort.
While most ulcers heal on their own within a couple of weeks, persistent, large, or frequently recurring painless mouth ulcers may indicate an underlying health concern. If your mouth ulcers last longer than two weeks and are accompanied by other symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes, it’s best to consult a dentist.
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan (292322)
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.