{
  "id": 4689298,
  "title": "Mouth ulcers: Why have I got them and how can I get rid of them?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/mouth-ulcers-why-have-i-got-them-and-how-can-i-get-rid-of-them",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-31T18:20:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-mouth-ulcers.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mouth ulcers are a common issue that affects many people, with up to a quarter of the population experiencing them at some point in their lives, particularly teenagers and young adults. These small, painful sores can make eating, drinking and talking uncomfortable, but usually heal on their own within a week or two. Understanding what causes them and how to manage them can make a big difference in reducing their frequency and severity.\n\nMouth ulcers are often triggered by simple factors such as accidental injury to the mouth, irritation from certain foods, stress, hormonal changes or nutrient deficiencies. Oral injury from biting your cheek, gum scraping with a toothbrush or irritation from braces or dentures can trigger an ulcer. Spicy, salty or acidic foods can also irritate the lining of the mouth. Stress, fatigue and hormonal fluctuations may contribute to their development as well. In some cases, low levels of iron, zinc, folate, B vitamins or vitamin D can be a factor, as can underlying conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease or a suppressed immune system.\n\nMedications, including certain anti-inflammatory drugs, heart medications like beta-blockers and lung medicines like bronchodilators, can also trigger mouth ulcers. For some individuals, recurrent ulcers may be a genetic predisposition, as they tend to run in families. Quitting smoking can cause mouth ulcers as a withdrawal effect, affecting around two in five smokers. These ulcers are usually mild and resolve within a month.\n\nWhile there is no instant cure, several methods can provide relief and promote faster healing. Rinsing with warm saltwater can soothe discomfort and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter topical treatments, local anesthetic gels and sprays like lidocaine and benzocaine, as well as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory mouthwash can help alleviate pain and speed up healing. For more persistent or severe ulcers, steroid tablets that dissolve in the mouth, steroid sprays or stronger mouthwash prescribed by a doctor or dentist may be beneficial.\n\nMaking lifestyle changes, such as using an SLS-free toothpaste, eating softer foods, drinking cool liquids through a straw, avoiding spicy or acidic meals and rough, crunchy foods, can help comfort and protect the mouth during an ulcer. Managing stress, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a balanced diet can also reduce the frequency of ulcers. If a mouth ulcer persists for more than three weeks, recurs frequently or appears unusual, it is essential to seek medical attention, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition, including mouth cancer.",
  "summary": "If you've ever had a mouth ulcer, you'll know how much a tiny sore can take over your day. These small, painful patches that suddenly appear inside your mouth make eating, drinking and even talking surprisingly uncomfortable.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mouth ulcers affect up to a quarter of the population, often in teenagers and young adults",
    "Causes include accidental injury, irritating foods, stress, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies",
    "Relief methods: saltwater rinses, topical treatments, lifestyle changes, medical attention if needed"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}