Most mouth ulcers are the simple kind known as aphthous ulcers. They are painful but not contagious, and usually heal on their own within one to two weeks. Recurring ulcers are common in some people and can be linked to stress, minor injuries or low levels of certain nutrients. An ulcer that does not heal within two weeks, or one that is painless and feels firm, needs to be checked without delay.
Aphthous ulcers usually appear inside the lips or cheeks or under the tongue. They are white or yellow in the centre with a red halo. There are three main forms:
The exact cause of aphthous ulcers is not fully understood, but several known factors trigger them or make them recur:
No. A cold sore is caused by a virus and usually appears on the outer edge of the lip as small fluid-filled blisters that burst and crust, often after tingling or burning. It is contagious, especially while blisters are present, so avoid kissing and sharing cups or towels during an outbreak.
Aphthous ulcers appear inside the mouth on the soft tissues and are not contagious. In children, mouth sores with fever and a rash on the hands and feet can be caused by a common viral infection, and the child should be assessed by a paediatrician.
There is no treatment that stops aphthous ulcers for good, but these steps ease the pain and help healing:
Most ulcers are harmless, but mouth cancer can sometimes start as an ulcer that does not heal, and finding it early makes a big difference. The risk is higher with smoking, chewing tobacco and shammah. So do not ignore an ulcer if:
Aphthous ulcers are not contagious. Cold sores on the edge of the lip are, especially while blisters are present.
Low iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid can be linked to recurring ulcers in some people. Do not take supplements at random; ask for a blood test to confirm a deficiency first.
Some people find they get fewer ulcers with a toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). It is safe to try, though it does not help everyone equally.
Mouth sores with fever in children are usually caused by a viral infection. Make sure your child keeps drinking, and see a paediatrician, especially if they refuse fluids or pass less urine.
See a dentist or doctor if an ulcer lasts more than two weeks, is very large or very painful, keeps recurring, is painless and firm, or comes with a white or red patch or a lump in the neck, especially if you smoke or use shammah. A routine dental check-up includes an examination of all the soft tissues of the mouth. You can book an appointment at Medical Care Clinics in Al-Shati Al-Gharbi, Dammam, close to Al-Khobar and Dhahran, where our dental team will examine the ulcer and guide you to the right next step.
This article is general health education and does not replace a medical examination. Every case needs its own assessment by a doctor.
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