Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical CareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum sores, also known asmouth ulcers, can come on suddenly and disrupt your life. They can cause pain and sensitivity, especially when you eat and drink.
Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms of gum sores and when to seek help.
Andrii Bicher / Getty Images
The most common symptoms of gum sores are pain and sensitivity. Here’s how symptoms typically unfold.
In addition to the physical changes above, you might notice general irritation due to pain and decreased desire to eat or drink if you or your child has a gum sore:
Usually, gum sores are not a cause for concern. They resolve on their own, usually within two weeks.However, if you or your child also experiences these rare symptoms, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. That’s because these symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition like infection,tooth abscess, ororal cancer.
Gum sores don’t usually lead to serious complications. However, they may contribute to dehydration, especially in children.That’s because children may avoid eating or drinking, as it makes the pain from their mouth worse.
Monitor yourself or your child forsigns of dehydration, including lethargy, decreased urine output, and dried lips. In addition, help manage the pain withgum sore treatmentsincluding over-the-counter pain relievers and topical anesthetics.
Usually you won’t need to see a healthcare provider because of gum sores. However, you should reach out to your healthcare provider if you or your child experience:
Call 911 immediately if you or your child experience trouble breathing, changes to consciousness, or extreme weakness.
Summary
A Word From Verywell
Gum sores are very painful, so it’s natural to want help. Unfortunately, most treatments for gum sores involve managing symptoms. Using over-the-counter pain relievers and topical creams can help, as can avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods.If you are struggling with discomfort, reach out to your healthcare provider or dentist for advice.
A bland, cool diet might help decrease gum sore pain when you’re eating or drinking. Avoid anything that’s hot, spicy, or acidic.
5 SourcesVerywell 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.MedlinePlus.Mouth sores.Nemours TeensHealth.Canker sore signs, causes & treatment.Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mouth sores (viral) herpes gingivostomatitis.Seattle Children’s.Mouth ulcers.American Cancer Society.Mouth soreness and pain.
5 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.MedlinePlus.Mouth sores.Nemours TeensHealth.Canker sore signs, causes & treatment.Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mouth sores (viral) herpes gingivostomatitis.Seattle Children’s.Mouth ulcers.American Cancer Society.Mouth soreness and pain.
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.
MedlinePlus.Mouth sores.Nemours TeensHealth.Canker sore signs, causes & treatment.Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mouth sores (viral) herpes gingivostomatitis.Seattle Children’s.Mouth ulcers.American Cancer Society.Mouth soreness and pain.
MedlinePlus.Mouth sores.
Nemours TeensHealth.Canker sore signs, causes & treatment.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mouth sores (viral) herpes gingivostomatitis.
Seattle Children’s.Mouth ulcers.
American Cancer Society.Mouth soreness and pain.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
