Inside mouth sore treatment

Most minor mouth sores improve with gentle care, but a sore that persists, recurs often, or has warning signs needs an oral examination.

A sore may be a traumatic ulcer from cheek biting, a sharp tooth, hot food, or a dental appliance. Other causes include viral disease, inflammatory conditions, medication effects, or, less commonly, a persistent abnormal lesion, so appearance and duration matter.

Rinse with plain water or a mild salt-water solution, use a soft toothbrush, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and keep sharp teeth or appliance edges from rubbing the area. A clinician can remove the irritant and prescribe a suitable protective or anti-inflammatory treatment when appropriate.

Seek care promptly for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, fever, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe dehydration. Book an oral assessment for a sore that does not heal, is hard or indurated, repeatedly returns in one spot, or is accompanied by a neck lump.

Ask what type of sore it appears to be, whether a sharp tooth or appliance is causing it, whether medication is appropriate, how long to monitor it, and which changes require an urgent review.