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Mouth ulcers
Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth
Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.
Ulcers
An ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...
Causes
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include:
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Canker sores
Canker sores
A canker sore is a painful, open sore in the mouth. Canker sores are white or yellow and surrounded by a bright red area. They are not cancerous. A...
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Gingivostomatitis
Gingivostomatitis
Gingivostomatitis is an infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores. It may be due to a virus or bacteria.
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Herpes simplex (
fever blister
)
Fever blister
Oral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus. It causes small, painful blisters commonly called cold sore...
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Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia are patches on the tongue, in the mouth, or on the inside of the cheek.
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Oral cancer
Oral cancer
Oral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.
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Oral lichen planus
Oral lichen planus
Lichen planus is a condition that forms an itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth.
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Oral
thrush
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the tongue and lining of the mouth.
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A skin sore caused by histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary, based on the cause of the mouth ulcer. Symptoms may include:
- Open sores in the mouth
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth
Exams and Tests
Most of the time, a health care provider or dentist will look the ulcer and where it is in the mouth to make the diagnosis. You may need blood tests or a biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.
- The underlying cause of the ulcer should be treated if it is known.
- Gently cleaning your mouth and teeth may help relieve your symptoms.
- Medicines that you rub directly on the ulcer such as antihistamines, antacids, and corticosteroids may help soothe discomfort.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods until the ulcer is healed.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome varies depending on the cause of the ulcer. Many mouth ulcers are harmless and heal without treatment.
Some types of cancer may first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal.
Cancer
Squamous cell cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Other common types of skin cancer are:Basal cellMelanoma
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
-
Cellulitis
of the mouth, from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below. Sometimes, muscle...
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Dental infections (
tooth abscesses
)
Tooth abscesses
A tooth abscess is a buildup of infected material (pus) in the center of a tooth. It is an infection caused by bacteria.
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- Spread of contagious disorders to other people
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
- A mouth ulcer does not go away after 3 weeks.
- You have mouth ulcers return often, or if new symptoms develop.
Prevention
To help prevent mouth ulcers and complications from them:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- Get regular dental cleanings and checkups.
References
Daniels TE. Diseases of the mouth and salivary glands. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 433.
Mirowski GW, Mark LA. Oral disease and oral-cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal and liver disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 22.
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Oral thrush - illustration
Oral thrush is characterized by ulcers or lesions in the mouth caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. The lesions are painful, slightly raised, whitish in appearance, and cause a dry mouth.
Oral thrush
illustration
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Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) - illustration
Canker sores (Aphthous ulcers) are very common. Typically, they are a shallow ulcer with a white or whitish/yellow base surrounded by a reddish border. This severe form of ulcer can be seen in an individual with AIDS and is located in front and just below the bottom teeth.
Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)
illustration
-
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa - illustration
Oral lichen planus occurs in about half of the people who have lichen planus on their skin. It consists of painless, whitish streaks on the mucous membranes. This may also produce ulcers, which are usually painful.
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa
illustration
-
Mouth sores - illustration
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include canker sores, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and similar disorders.
Mouth sores
illustration
-
Oral thrush - illustration
Oral thrush is characterized by ulcers or lesions in the mouth caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. The lesions are painful, slightly raised, whitish in appearance, and cause a dry mouth.
Oral thrush
illustration
-
Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) - illustration
Canker sores (Aphthous ulcers) are very common. Typically, they are a shallow ulcer with a white or whitish/yellow base surrounded by a reddish border. This severe form of ulcer can be seen in an individual with AIDS and is located in front and just below the bottom teeth.
Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)
illustration
-
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa - illustration
Oral lichen planus occurs in about half of the people who have lichen planus on their skin. It consists of painless, whitish streaks on the mucous membranes. This may also produce ulcers, which are usually painful.
Lichen planus on the oral mucosa
illustration
-
Mouth sores - illustration
Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include canker sores, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and similar disorders.
Mouth sores
illustration
Review Date: 1/31/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, medical director and director of didactic curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
