What are mouth ulcers?

Ulcers in the mouth are a common symptom of infection, inflammation, trauma, malignancy, and other underlying conditions and diseases. Mouth ulcers result from pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, which inflame the lining of the mouth, causing swelling, redness, and ulcer formation. Ulcers most commonly occur on the inside of the mouth but may also occur on the tongue and lips, or in association with more generalized conditions, such as cancer or hormonal changes. Allergic reactions to food and other substances may also cause inflammation, swelling and development of mouth ulcers.

Canker sore is the name for a painful, open sore in the mouth that is medically known as aphthous ulcer. The sores are not contagious and are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in the mouth and gums. Canker sores may result from mouth injury, viral infections, hormonal shifts, an abnormal immune system, or a diet low in nutrients.

Trauma to the mouth, gums or teeth may result in mouth ulcers due to lacerations. Trauma-related cuts become inflamed, swell, and have the potential develop into a mouth ulcer. Ill-fitting dentures may also cause sores and mouth redness. Any type of trauma to the mouth, lips or tongue can also result in mouth redness as a result of inflammation and swelling around the site of injury.

Damaged to the mouth from hot or spicy foods, chewing tobacco or smoking can cause mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers may also result from specific medications, including chemotherapy. Underlying conditions that are common causes of mouth ulcers include deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals and hormonal changes.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit) or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for mouth ulcers but mild symptoms recur or are persistent.

What other symptoms might occur with mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the mouth may also involve other body systems.

Symptoms that may occur along with mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers may accompany other symptoms associated with an infection including:

Cracks in the corners of the mouth
Dry mouth
Fever
Loss of appetite
Malaise or lethargy
Pus or white patches covering the tonsils or throat
Skin rash
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes

Other symptoms that may occur along with mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Dry mouth
Mouth soreness or swelling
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Stomach ulcers
Tongue soreness
Weakness

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, mouth ulcers may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

Difficulty swallowing or breathing
High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Trouble thinking clearly

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers result from inflammation due to infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Infections of the skin around the mouth, mucous membranes inside the mouth, gums, and tongue are common causes of mouth ulcers.

Trauma that causes damage to lips, tongue, gums, and inside of mouth is also a common cause of mouth ulcers. Damage to the mouth can be the result of excessive teeth brushing, trauma, or dentures that are not fitted properly, each of which can cause inflammation, redness and ulcers. Mouth ulcers can also result from underlying conditions, such as a weakened immune system or hormonal changes.

Common causes of mouth ulcers

The most common causes of mouth ulcers are related to disturbances of the mouth and include:

Bacterial infections
Canker sores
Dietary deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid), or iron
Emotional stress
Food allergies

Nutritional deficiency

Spicy foods
Substance abuse, especially methamphetamine use
Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate
Viral infections

Other causes of mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can also have other causes including:

Behcet’s syndrome (a disease characterized by widespread inflammation of the blood vessels)
Candidiasis (a fungal infection)
Celiac disease (severe sensitivity to gluten from wheat and other grains that causes intestinal damage)
Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the intestine)
Herpes simplex virus
Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
Immune system diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues)
Ulcerative colitis

Traumatic causes of mouth ulcers

Trauma to the mouth or gums may lead to mouth ulcers. Examples of traumatic causes include:

Abrasions
Cuts
Ill-fitting dentures or dental appliances

Serious or life-threatening causes of mouth ulcers

In some cases, mouth ulcers may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

Immune system disorders
Oral cancers

Questions for diagnosing the cause of mouth ulcers

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your mouth ulcers including:

When did you first notice ulcers in your mouth?
How often do you brush your teeth?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?

What are the potential complications of mouth ulcers?

Because mouth ulcers can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including: