Adults only (18+)

How to Relieve Mouth Ulcer Pain

Mouth ulcers are small but can feel surprisingly painful, especially when eating, drinking or speaking. These shallow sores inside the mouth are usually harmless and tend to heal on their own, but during the healing process they can cause significant discomfort. Whether it is a single sore or several at once, knowing how to ease the pain can help you get back to normal sooner.

What Are Mouth Ulcers?

A mouth ulcer is a break in the delicate lining inside your mouth. It often appears as a round or oval-shaped sore that is white, yellow or grey in the centre with a red border. Mouth ulcers can develop on the inside of the cheeks or lips, under the tongue or on the roof of the mouth.

They are not contagious, unlike cold sores which are caused by the herpes virus and typically form on the lips. Mouth ulcers can vary in size and may occur occasionally or more frequently, depending on the cause.

What Causes Them?

Mouth ulcers can appear for a number of reasons. Common triggers include accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, irritation from a sharp tooth or dental brace, or brushing too hard. They can also result from stress, hormonal changes or feeling run down.

Some people are more prone to mouth ulcers when they are tired, anxious or during certain times in their menstrual cycle. In some cases, deficiencies in iron, folate or vitamin B12 may also play a role. Occasionally, recurrent or severe ulcers may be linked to an underlying health condition, but this is less common.

How to Relieve the Pain

If you are dealing with a painful mouth ulcer, there are several ways to ease the discomfort while it heals.

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help soothe the area and keep it clean. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth, then spit it out. Do this several times a day, especially after eating.

Over-the-counter gels or mouthwashes are available from pharmacies and can be applied directly to the ulcer. These products may contain ingredients to numb the area, reduce inflammation or form a protective barrier over the sore. Ask a pharmacist for advice if you are unsure which one to choose.

Avoiding spicy, acidic or crunchy foods can prevent further irritation. Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, crisps or hot sauces can sting when they come into contact with the ulcer. Opt for soft, bland foods such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies until the sore has settled.

Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol or very hot drinks can also help protect the ulcer as it heals. If brushing your teeth is uncomfortable, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulphate, which may aggravate sensitive areas.

Some people find that applying ice chips or sucking on ice helps numb the pain temporarily. You can also try applying a little milk of magnesia directly to the sore to neutralise acids and reduce irritation.

How Long Do Mouth Ulcers Last?

Most minor ulcers clear up on their own within 7 to 10 days. During this time, the pain may peak in the first few days and gradually ease as healing progresses. If you have a larger ulcer or several at once, they may take a little longer to go away.

If your ulcer lasts more than three weeks, keeps returning or is particularly painful, you should speak to a GP or dentist for further assessment.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most mouth ulcers are harmless, there are times when it is worth seeking help. You should contact a healthcare professional if you have unusually large or persistent ulcers, repeated outbreaks, or ulcers that bleed, become infected or occur alongside other symptoms such as fever or swollen glands.

Ulcers that do not heal or those accompanied by weight loss or difficulty swallowing should also be checked, especially if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly. These symptoms could, in rare cases, point to a more serious problem such as oral cancer, though this is uncommon.

Emotional Impact

Living with painful ulcers can make everyday tasks like eating, speaking or smiling more challenging. If you are feeling frustrated or fed up with repeated discomfort, know that support is available and that the pain does not last forever. Taking steps to manage your stress and look after your general health may also reduce how often you experience ulcers.

Final Thoughts

Mouth ulcers may be small, but the pain they cause can have a big impact. Fortunately, most heal quickly with a little self-care. By using gentle remedies, avoiding irritants and keeping the mouth clean, you can ease discomfort and help the healing process. If ulcers persist or keep coming back, it is a good idea to speak to a GP or dentist to rule out any underlying issues and find the most effective treatment.