I have a sore in my mouth
A mouth sore may be caused by trauma, an ulcer, infection, irritation, or another oral condition; protect the area and arrange an examination if it.
The short answer
A mouth sore may be caused by trauma, an ulcer, infection, irritation, or another oral condition; protect the area and arrange an examination if it persists or has warning signs.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A sore is a painful or irritated area on the lining of the mouth, including the cheek, lip, tongue, palate, or gum. Common triggers include biting, a sharp tooth, a denture edge, burns, ulcers, viral or fungal infection, and inflammatory conditions.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with water or salt water, choose soft foods, avoid tobacco and irritating foods, and check for a sharp tooth or appliance edge. Do not scrape, burn, or apply household chemicals to the lesion, and record its location and changes.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist or doctor if the sore persists, returns often, enlarges, bleeds, feels hard, or is associated with a neck lump, numbness, fever, or difficulty swallowing. Trouble breathing or rapidly increasing swelling requires urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Can I keep using a denture over a sore? Remove it for rest when appropriate and have its fit or edge checked if it rubs the area. Does every sore mean cancer? No, many have minor causes, but a persistent or changing lesion needs examination.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using a denture?
The answer depends on the clinical finding and the material or tissue involved.
What should I do if this keeps happening?
Arrange an examination so the underlying cause can be identified and treated.