Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many types of mouth sores. Some, such ascanker sores, are minor and can clear up on their own. Others, such as sores that develop from health conditions such asoral cancer, are more severe. Mouth sores can form on the cheeks, gums, tongue, floor androof of the mouth; and lips.
This article discusses the possible causes of and treatments for various types of mouth sores.
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Symptoms of Mouth Sores
The symptoms that develop along with mouth sores depend on the type and cause. Some of the symptoms that can come with mouth sores include:
Mouth sores can present with some or all of the above symptoms.
Mouth Sore Duration and SeverityTypically, the longer a sore lasts, the more likely it is to be associated with a more severe health condition. Mild irritations that cause sores tend to heal faster.
Mouth Sore Duration and Severity
Typically, the longer a sore lasts, the more likely it is to be associated with a more severe health condition. Mild irritations that cause sores tend to heal faster.
What Do Mouth Sores Look Like? 16 Pictures
Causes of Mouth Sores
There are several health conditions that can cause mouth sores to develop, including:
How to Tell What Type of Oral Sore You HaveIt’s can be hard to tell the difference between a severe mouth sore that needs medical treatment and a minor one you can let heal on its own. Take note of any other symptoms you have and see if the sore clears up on its own within a week. If it doesn’t, call your healthcare provider.
How to Tell What Type of Oral Sore You Have
It’s can be hard to tell the difference between a severe mouth sore that needs medical treatment and a minor one you can let heal on its own. Take note of any other symptoms you have and see if the sore clears up on its own within a week. If it doesn’t, call your healthcare provider.
How to Treat and Prevent Canker Sores
What Medications Can Cause Mouth Sores?
There are several types of drugs that can cause oral sores or ulcerations, including:
Medication and Mouth SoresIf you develop mouth sores, do not stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider first. The mouth sores might be a temporary effect of the drug and will go away soon. If not, your provider may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
Medication and Mouth Sores
If you develop mouth sores, do not stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider first. The mouth sores might be a temporary effect of the drug and will go away soon. If not, your provider may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
How to Treat Mouth Sores
Treating mouth sores means treating the cause. Idiopathic mouth sores will typically clear up on their own within one to three weeks.
If you are having a lot of pain or get recurrent idiopathic mouth sores, you can try numbing gels, antiseptic mouthwashes, or anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and promote healing.
Mouth sore treatment according to the underlying cause includes:
Treating the CauseIf an underlying health condition is causing mouth sores, treating that condition will usually clear up the mouth sores. In the meantime, ask your healthcare provider about treatment to ease your symptoms.
Treating the Cause
If an underlying health condition is causing mouth sores, treating that condition will usually clear up the mouth sores. In the meantime, ask your healthcare provider about treatment to ease your symptoms.
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Are There Tests to Diagnose Mouth Sores?
There are several different tests used for diagnosing mouth sores because there are many possible causes.
To determine what is causing the mouth sores, your healthcare provider will look at the inside of your mouth and assess the sore(s). They will also you about any other symptoms you are experiencing and about any medications you are on. Other factors that are considered in the diagnostic process include:
Your provider may do other tests if they think an underlying health condition is causing the sores based on your other symptoms. Usually, this will include doingblood tests.
Why Is Getting the Right Diagnosis Important?Some mouth sores are harmless, but others can indicate a severe health condition. You want to be sure that your mouth sores do not require treatment before you leave them alone to heal on their own.
Why Is Getting the Right Diagnosis Important?
Some mouth sores are harmless, but others can indicate a severe health condition. You want to be sure that your mouth sores do not require treatment before you leave them alone to heal on their own.
You should also see your provider if you are experiencing any symptoms along with the sores, such as pain and difficulty eating or swallowing. You should also see a provider if you think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection.
Recent chemotherapy, radiation, or starting a new medication, are other factors that would prompt a call to your provider.
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Summary
Mouth sores can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, inside the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, underneath the tongue, and the lips. While many types of mouth sores are harmless and only cause mild pain or irritation, others can be signs of more severe health conditions.
Typically, mouth sores that develop because of a disorder will also come with other symptoms such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or unintentional weight loss.
It’s important to see your provider to find out for sure what is causing your mouth sores. That way, you can address any underlying condition that’s causing them instead of leaving them to heal on their own when they require treatment.
A Word from Verywell
There are many causes of mouth sores. While not all of them are serious, it’s important to find out why they are happening—especially if they don’t heal on their own or keep coming back. Your provider can do tests to find out what’s causing your mouth sores and recommend the best treatment.
Mouth sores can be idiopathic, which means there is no known underlying cause. They can develop “out of the blue” or after mild trauma such as biting the inside of your cheek. In some cases, mouth sores can develop because of an underlying health condition such as a viral or bacterial infection, blood disorder, or autoimmune disease.Learn MoreHIV Mouth Sores: Types of Sores and Symptoms
Mouth sores can be idiopathic, which means there is no known underlying cause. They can develop “out of the blue” or after mild trauma such as biting the inside of your cheek. In some cases, mouth sores can develop because of an underlying health condition such as a viral or bacterial infection, blood disorder, or autoimmune disease.
Learn MoreHIV Mouth Sores: Types of Sores and Symptoms
Learn MoreWhat are the Different Types of Canker Sores?
It can be hard to tell the difference between a benign mouth sore and one that is cancerous. Things to look out for if you are worried about cancer are white or reddish patches on the inside of the mouth, loose teeth, or a sore that does not heal. If it’s caught early enough, mouth cancer is highly treatable.Learn MoreOral Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
It can be hard to tell the difference between a benign mouth sore and one that is cancerous. Things to look out for if you are worried about cancer are white or reddish patches on the inside of the mouth, loose teeth, or a sore that does not heal. If it’s caught early enough, mouth cancer is highly treatable.
Learn MoreOral Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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