Introduction
Mouth ulcers (also called canker sores) can be painful and annoying. Good news: most heal on their own. At Oranna Dental Kuala Lumpur, we want to help you understand what triggers them, how to ease the discomfort, and when to check in with a dentist.
What Are Mouth Ulcers?
- Ulcers are shallow sores or breaks in the soft lining inside your mouth (called the mucosal membrane).
- They may appear alone or in small groups. They can be small or grow larger.
- Usually, they have a crater-like shape with slightly raised or inflamed edges, and a whitish or yellowish center.
- They can occur on the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, or inside the lips.
Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Several things can trigger or make you more likely to get mouth ulcers. Some common ones include:
- Injury: accidentally biting the cheek or tongue, burns from hot foods/drinks, irritation from sharp tooth edges
- Rough dental work (e.g. ill-fitting dentures or braces) or sharp parts of teeth rubbing inside the mouth
- Certain foods or food allergies/intolerances
- Using strong mouthwash, or toothpaste with harsh agents
- Nutritional deficiencies (for example, low levels of vitamin B12, iron, folate)
- Stress, lack of sleep, or general fatigue
- Some medications may irritate the lining inside the mouth
- Underlying conditions (rarely) such as gastrointestinal disorders
Why Ulcers Can Be Painful
- The lining inside your mouth is thin, and many nerve endings are close to the surface, so when the soft tissue is damaged (even slightly), you can feel sharp pain.
- Swelling and exposure of the ulcer site to food, spicy or acidic substances tend to worsen the discomfort.
How to Soothe Ulcers: Home Care
Here are safe, gentle ways to help heal ulcers and reduce pain:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 1 glass warm water)
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and sharp (crunchy) foods until the ulcer improves
- Eat softer foods and stay well hydrated
- Be gentle when brushing; consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Over-the-counter protective gels or pastes that cover the ulcer site
- Non-alcoholic antiseptic mouthwashes to reduce irritation
Pharmacy & Other Treatments
If home care isn’t enough or the ulcer is more severe, these may help:
- Laser therapy by our dentist aids by using low-level laser energy to stimulate cellular repair, and reduce inflammation.
- Protective gels/pastes that form a temporary cover
- Mild topical steroids (by dental or medical prescription) to reduce inflammation
- Pain relief sprays, gels, or lozenges
- If viral infection is involved, your doctor may recommend antiviral medications
When to See a Dentist or Doctor
You should book a check up if:
- The ulcer hasn’t healed after about 1–2 weeks
- It’s very large, very painful or keeps coming back often
- There are signs of infection (spreading redness, swelling, pus)
- You have multiple ulcers and/or sores elsewhere on body
- You’re in a high risk group (e.g. weakened immune system, heavy alcohol use, tobacco)
How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers
You may not always be able to avoid them, but you can reduce the chances with:
- Good oral hygiene: brush twice daily, clean between teeth, use soft brush
- Fix or smoothen any rough tooth edges, or adjust appliances like dentures/orthodontics if they rub
- Balanced diet, ensuring enough vitamins (B12, iron, folate)
- Manage stress, improve sleep habits
- Avoid irritants: harsh mouthwashes, very spicy or acidic foods, tobacco
- Regular dental checkups so small irritations are noticed early
Takeaway
Mouth ulcers are common, generally manageable, and usually heal on their own. But discomfort shouldn’t linger. With good self care and attention, you can reduce pain, heal faster, and prevent many of them from coming back.
At Oranna Dental Kuala Lumpur, we’re here to help if an ulcer isn’t improving or if anything seems unusual. Schedule a consultation so we can check and support your healing.