Mouth Ulcers Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To promote natural healing, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence by minimizing irritation and supporting oral health.

• Avoid very spicy, salty, or acidic foods, as well as rough, crunchy foods like toast or crisps, which can irritate the ulcer.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate to prevent irritation to the mouth lining.
• Drink cool drinks through a straw and eat softer foods to minimize discomfort during meals.
• Maintain regular dental check-ups and a healthy, balanced diet to support overall oral health and prevent deficiencies.
• Manage stress and anxiety, as these factors can sometimes trigger or worsen mouth ulcers.

Medicinal Treatment

To alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and accelerate the healing process of mouth ulcers.

• Over-the-counter painkilling tablets, mouthwashes, gels, or sprays to alleviate discomfort and numb the affected area.
• Antimicrobial mouthwashes (e.g., chlorhexidine) to prevent secondary infection and promote a clean healing environment.
• Corticosteroid lozenges, mouth sprays, or dissolvable tablets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing for persistent or severe ulcers.
• Prescription-strength painkilling gels or ointments for more intense pain relief.
• Salt (saline) mouthwashes, prepared by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, for soothing and cleansing the ulcer.

Surgical Treatment

To address underlying causes or complications, primarily through diagnostic procedures for suspicious lesions or corrective dental interventions.

• Biopsy of persistent or suspicious ulcers (lasting over 3 weeks, unusual appearance, or bleeding) to rule out serious conditions like oral cancer.
• Dental procedures to correct underlying physical irritants, such as filing sharp teeth, adjusting ill-fitting dentures, or repairing rough fillings.
• Rare excision of chronic traumatic ulcers that fail to heal after the removal of the identified irritant, typically performed by an oral surgeon.

Surgical intervention is rarely required for typical mouth ulcers, primarily reserved for diagnostic purposes or addressing persistent physical irritants.