Skip to main content
N I Direct government services

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
  • Contacts
  • Help
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • RSS

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Afrikaans — Afrikaans
  • Albanian — Shqip
  • Amharic — አማርኛ
  • Arabic — العربية
  • Armenian — Հայերեն
  • Assamese — অসমীয়া
  • Aymara — Aymar aru
  • Azerbaijani — Azərbaycan dili
  • Bambara — Bamanankan
  • Basque — Euskara
  • Belarusian — Беларуская
  • Bengali — বাংলা
  • Bhojpuri — भोजपुरी
  • Bosnian — Bosanski
  • Bulgarian — Български
  • Cantonese — 廣州話
  • Catalan — Català
  • Cebuano — Sinugbuanong Binisayâ
  • Chichewa — Chichewa
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 简体中文
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 繁體中文
  • Corsican — Corsu
  • Croatian — Hrvatski
  • Czech — Čeština
  • Danish — Dansk
  • Dhivehi — ދިވެހި
  • Dogri — डोगरी
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • English — English
  • Esperanto — Esperanto
  • Estonian — Eesti
  • Ewe — Eʋegbe
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • Finnish — Suomi
  • French — Français
  • Frisian — Frysk
  • Galician — Galego
  • Georgian — ქართული
  • German — Deutsch
  • Greek — Ελληνικά
  • Guarani — Avañe’ẽ
  • Gujarati — ગુજરાતી
  • Haitian Creole — Kreyòl ayisyen
  • Hausa — Hausa
  • Hawaiian — ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
  • Hebrew — עברית
  • Hindi — हिन्दी
  • Hmong — Hmoob
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Icelandic — Íslenska
  • Igbo — Asụsụ Igbo
  • Ilocano — Ilokano
  • Indonesian — Bahasa Indonesia
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Japanese — 日本語
  • Javanese — Basa Jawa
  • Kannada — ಕನ್ನಡ
  • Kazakh — Қазақ тілі
  • Khmer — ភាសាខ្មែរ
  • Kinyarwanda — Ikinyarwanda
  • Konkani — कोंकणी
  • Korean — 한국어
  • Krio — Krio
  • Kurdish (Kurmanji) — Kurdî
  • Kurdish (Sorani) — کوردی
  • Kyrgyz — Кыргызча
  • Lao — ລາວ
  • Latin — Latina
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lingala — Lingála
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių
  • Luganda — Luganda
  • Luxembourgish — Lëtzebuergesch
  • Macedonian — Македонски
  • Maithili — मैथिली
  • Malagasy — Malagasy
  • Malay — Bahasa Melayu
  • Malayalam — മലയാളം
  • Maltese — Malti
  • Maori — Māori
  • Marathi — मराठी
  • Meiteilon (Manipuri) — ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯂꯣꯟ
  • Mizo — Mizo ṭawng
  • Mongolian — Монгол хэл
  • Myanmar (Burmese) — မြန်မာစာ
  • Nepali — नेपाली
  • Norwegian — Norsk
  • Odia (Oriya) — ଓଡ଼ିଆ
  • Oromo — Afaan Oromoo
  • Pashto — پښتو
  • Persian — فارسی
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Punjabi — ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
  • Quechua — Runa Simi
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Samoan — Gagana Samoa
  • Sanskrit — संस्कृतम्
  • Scots Gaelic — Gàidhlig
  • Sepedi — Sepedi
  • Serbian — Српски
  • Sesotho — Sesotho
  • Shona — Shona
  • Sindhi — سنڌي
  • Sinhala — සිංහල
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Slovenian — Slovenščina
  • Somali — Soomaali
  • Spanish — Español
  • Sundanese — Basa Sunda
  • Swahili — Kiswahili
  • Swedish — Svenska
  • Tajik — Тоҷикӣ
  • Tamil — தமிழ்
  • Tatar — Татар теле
  • Telugu — తెలుగు
  • Thai — ไทย
  • Tigrinya — ትግርኛ
  • Tsonga — Xitsonga
  • Turkish — Türkçe
  • Turkmen — Türkmençe
  • Twi — Twi
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Urdu — اردو
  • Uyghur — ئۇيغۇرچە
  • Uzbek — Oʻzbekcha
  • Vietnamese — Tiếng Việt
  • Welsh — Cymraeg
  • Xhosa — IsiXhosa
  • Yiddish — ייִדיש
  • Yoruba — Yorùbá
  • Zulu — IsiZulu
  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Health and wellbeing
    3. Illnesses and conditions
    4. A to Z

    Mouth ulcers

    Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth. Although uncomfortable, they’re usually harmless and most clear up by themselves. They are common and can usually be managed at home, without seeing your dentist or GP. Visit your pharmacist first, unless your ulcer has lasted longer than three weeks.

    About mouth ulcers 

     

    Picture of a single ulcer on a lip
    Single ulcer on a lip
    Picture showing multiple mouth ulcers on the inner surface of a cheek

    Mouth ulcers usually appear inside the mouth on the:

    • cheeks
    • lips
    • tongue

    They appear as round or oval sores with:

    • a clearly-defined margin (border)
    • yellowish-grey area in the centre
    • red inflammation around them

    It's possible to have more than one mouth ulcer at a time and they may spread or grow. 

     

    Picture of lower lip ulceration caused by herpes simplex (cold sore virus)
    Herpes simplex (cold sore) virus infection

    Mouth ulcers shouldn't be confused with cold sores.

    Cold sores are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth.

    They often begin with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your mouth.

    Rarely, the same virus (herpes simplex) that causes cold sores, can cause recurring pinhead-sized ulcers inside the mouth, occurring in the same place each time. 

    When to see your pharmacist, dentist or GP 

    Mouth ulcers can be painful. They can make it uncomfortable to eat, drink or brush your teeth.

    It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home. You can buy several types of mouth ulcer treatment from a pharmacy.

    Speak to your pharmacist about the best treatment for you or your child. 

    See your GP or dentist if:

    • your mouth ulcer has lasted three weeks
    • you keep getting mouth ulcers
    • your mouth ulcer becomes more painful or red – this could be a sign of a bacterial infection, which may need treatment with antibiotics

    Mouth ulcers are also a possible symptom of a viral infection that mainly affects young children, called hand, foot and mouth disease.

    Speak to your GP or call GP out of hours service if you're unsure.

    How to treat mouth ulcers 

    Mouth ulcers don’t usually need to be treated. They tend to clear up by themselves within a week or two.

    Treatment can help to reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.

    This may help if you keep getting mouth ulcers, or your mouth ulcer affects eating and drinking.

    Self care 

    Things you can do to speed up healing include:

    • applying a protective paste recommended by your pharmacist
    • using a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
    • avoiding hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals
    • using a straw to drink cool drinks
    • avoiding things that may be triggering your mouth ulcers – see causes below

    Medicines from your dentist or GP 

    If necessary, your GP or dentist may prescribe a course of corticosteroids. This is to help reduce pain and swelling, and speed up healing.

    Corticosteroids are available on prescription as tablets, mouthwash, paste or spray. They are not suitable for children under 12.

    Mouth cancer

    In a few cases, a long-lasting mouth ulcer can be a sign of mouth cancer.  

    You should see your GP if the ulcer or swelling in your mouth lasts longer than three weeks, particularly if it is painful or bleeding.

    It is important to get anything that’s causing concern checked out. This is particularly so if you are over 45 years of age and have a risk factor.

    Risk factors for mouth cancer include:

    • smoking or using products that contain tobacco
    • drinking alcohol – smokers who are also heavy drinkers have a much higher risk compared to the population at large
    • infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) – the virus that causes genital warts

    It's important to detect mouth cancer as early as possible. If mouth cancer is detected early, the chances of a complete recovery are good. 

    Regular dental check-ups are the best way to detect the early signs.

    Causes of mouth ulcers 

    In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear. Most single mouth ulcers are caused by damage to the lining inside the mouth. For example:

    • accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth
    • poorly fitting dentures
    • hard food
    • a defective filling

    It’s not always clear what causes mouth ulcers that keep returning, but triggers are thought to include:

    • 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
    • stopping smoking – when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers

    Your genes are also thought to have a role. Around 40 per cent of people who keep getting mouth ulcers report it runs in their family.

    Medical conditions 

    Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medical conditions, such as:

    • viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease
    • vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
    • Crohn's disease – a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system
    • coeliac disease – a common digestive condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten
    • reactive arthritis – a condition that causes inflammation in various places in the body, usually as a reaction to an infection
    • weakened immune system – for example, due to HIV or lupus
    •  Behçet's disease – a rare and poorly understood condition that also causes swelling of the blood vessels

    Medications and treatments 

    Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medications or treatments, such as:

    • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen
    • nicorandil – a medication sometimes used to treat angina
    • beta-blockers – used to treat conditions such as angina, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms
    • a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy – this is known as mucositis

    Preventing mouth ulcers 

    It may not be possible to prevent mouth ulcers, because they're often caused by things you can't control. This includes family history or a medical condition.

    The following may help to reduce your risk of developing mouth ulcers:

    • avoiding certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour, if they cause you to have an ulcer
    • not chewing gum
    • brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush, which may reduce irritation in your mouth
    • reducing stress and anxiety – which may be a trigger for some people

    More useful links

    • How to use your health services

    The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.

    For further information see terms and conditions.

    Health conditions A to Z

    Or find conditions beginning with A to Z…

    Skip A to Z menu
    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    • E
    • F
    • G
    • H
    • I
    • J
    • K
    • L
    • M
    • N
    • O
    • P
    • Q
    • R
    • S
    • T
    • U
    • V
    • W
    • X
    • Y
    • Z

    Related conditions

    • Dental problems

    Help improve this page - send your feedback

    What do you want to do?
    Report a problem
    Which problem did you find on this page? (Tick all that apply)

    Messages

    You will not receive a reply. We will consider your feedback to help improve the site.

    Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers.

    What is your question about?

    What to do next

    Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk 

    If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

    Carer's Allowance

    Call 0800 587 0912
    Email 
    dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

    Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

    Call 0800 587 2750 
    Email 
    customerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk

    Disability Living Allowance

    Call 0800 587 0912 
    Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

    Employment and Support Allowance

    Call 0800 587 1377

    Jobseeker’s Allowance

    Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

    Personal Independence Payment

    Call 0800 587 0932

    If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

    For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service.

    For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service.

    For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit.

    If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section, then for queries about:

    • Restrictions or regulations — contact the Department of Health
    • Travel advice (including self-isolation) — contact the Department of Health
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the Department of Health or Public Health Agency

    If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

    For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email ani@accessni.gov.uk

    Application and payment queries can be emailed to ema_ni@slc.co.uk

    For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency.

    For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email gro_nisra@finance-ni.gov.uk

    For queries about your GRONI account, email gro_nisra@finance-ni.gov.uk.

    For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email HSSS.mail@economy-ni.gov.uk.

    For queries about:

    • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
      contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
       
    • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
      contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

    If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

     

    For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

    For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email dcu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

    For queries or advice about pensions, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.

    If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section.

    If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads.

    For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service.

    For queries or advice about rates, email LPSCustomerTeam@lpsni.gov.uk

    For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact Smartpass - Translink.

    If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly.  We don't have access to information about you.

    Related sites

    • gov.uk
    • nibusinessinfo.co.uk

    Links to supporting information

    • Accessibility statement
    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • RSS