Alternate Names: Ulcer - oral; Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth

Causes and Risks: Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. These include canker sores, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral lichen planus, oral thrush, and similar disorders. The skin lesion of Histoplasmosis may also appear as a mouth ulcer.

Aphthous ulcer is most common in young adults, with about a 60% incidence.

Prevention: Good oral hygiene may help in the prevention of some types of mouth ulcers or complications from mouth ulcers. This includes brushing the teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least daily, and regular professional dental cleaning and examination.

Symptoms:

• pain, discomfort in the mouth
• presence of open sores in the mouth

Signs and Tests: A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer based on the appearance and location of the lesion. A skin biopsy of the ulcer or blood tests may be needed to confirm the specific causative disorder.

Treatment: The goal of treatment is relief of symptoms. The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended to apply to the mouth ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers.

Prognosis: The outcome varies with the causative disorder. Many mouth ulcers are benign and resolve without specific treatment. Rarely, chronic mouth ulcers can develop into oral cancer.

Complications:

• cellulitis of the mouth from secondary bacterial infection of ulcers
• dental infections (tooth abscess)
• spread of contagious disorders
• oral cancer

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms are suggestive of mouth ulcers and persist for longer than 3 weeks. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers recur frequently, or if new symptoms develop.