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Mouth ulcers concerns

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth, usually on the soft tissue - cheeks, lips or tongue. They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen.

Although they're uncomfortable, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and clear up by themselves within a week or two.

In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear, but triggers are thought to include:

  • Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth
  • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Hard food
  • A defective filling
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Hormonal changes – some women develop mouth ulcers during their monthly period
  • Eating certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour
  • Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
  • Stopping smoking – when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers
  • Viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease
  • Medical conditions - including vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, reactive arthritis, HIV, lupus, Behçet’s disease
  • Certain medications or medical treatments may also cause mouth ulcers

It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home to help reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.

Self care

Tips for easing discomfort and aid healing…

  • Antimicrobial mouthwash or protective paste, available from your pharmacist
  • Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
  • Use a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating
  • Avoid hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals
  • Use a straw to drink cool drinks
  • Avoid things that may be triggering your mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can sometimes be a possible symptom of a more serious problem such as infection or mouth cancer. It's therefore essential that you contact High Street Dental Practice as soon as possible if you notice:

  • Your mouth ulcer has lasted three or more weeks
  • You keep getting mouth ulcers
  • Your mouth ulcer becomes more painful or red
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to High Street Dental Practice. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

991 Reviews

5.0

5th December 2024

Very friendly and helpful staff.

4th December 2024

Helena has an excellent manner about her and is thorough yet gentle at cleaning my teeth.

3rd December 2024

Caring friendly people

30th November 2024

We’ll run, courteous staff. Practical advice given based on common sense and taking patients situation into account. Not trying to sell unnecessary treatments.

26th November 2024

All the people at the practice are extremely professional and friendly and I have every confidence in the treatments I receive there

23rd November 2024

Dentist is so good with my autistic daughter, it’s the only place that she has ever been happy to go back too and finally somewhere she feels safe. It’s taken over 10yrs to find a dentist she completely trusts and listens too. This is so rare. The dentist and nurse explains everything before doing it and my daughter feels totally at ease with them. Can’t thank you all enough. The reception staff are amazing too.

23rd November 2024

The staff all ways make me feel welcome not just as a patient but as a person who has needs which they help with.

21st November 2024

Wonderful staff!

20th November 2024

A friendly, thorough and professional approach.

17th November 2024

Very professional welcoming practice

14th November 2024

All the staff are incredibly friendly and professional

14th November 2024

Great knowledge and expertise. Very friendly

14th November 2024

I trust Jas and his staff - I am been coming to this practice for many years and alway been pleased with the treatment

14th November 2024

I have been a patient at this Dentist for many years and have always found the team to be friendly and helpful. My dentist thoroughly explains all the treatment I receive and treats me with respect. This makes me feel comfortable and confident that my needs are being put first. I have had bad experiences in the past, however since being a patient at High Street I have managed to overcome those anxieties.I would like to say a big thankyou and keep up the good work.

13th November 2024

Dental Surgery is always very helpful. Whatever my appointment is for. Staff excellent.

9th November 2024

Can get appointment when required. Very good standard of care

9th November 2024

check up revealed nerve damage to a tooth - dentist spent a long time testing, doing xray and explaining possible treatments etc

8th November 2024

Attention to detail, pleasant staff, quick appointment.

8th November 2024

Always satisfied after over a decade coming tothis dental practice.

6th November 2024

I feel confident in the treatment that I receive. All the staff are friendly and helpful.Open times are good and the practice has good opening hours over the Christmas period.

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