Mouth Ulcers

Painful sores inside the mouth — on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or lips. Usually harmless and self-limiting but can be very uncomfortable.

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From $19.95 · No appointment needed

AHPRA-registered doctors

Response in ~25 mins

Common Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

Painful sores inside the mouth

Round or oval white/grey centres with red borders

Burning or tingling before the ulcer appears

Difficulty eating, drinking, or talking

Multiple ulcers at once (in some cases)

How We Can Help

What we can help with

Assessment of mouth ulcer pattern
Treatment advice and prescriptions (topical steroids, antimicrobial mouthwash)
Investigation of recurrent ulcers (blood tests for deficiencies)
Medical certificates if eating/speaking is significantly affected

What needs in-person care

Biopsy of suspicious lesions (needs dentist/specialist)
Assessment of ulcers that could be oral cancer (needs in-person examination)
Treatment of severe autoimmune mouth conditions

When to see a doctor

1
Ulcers lasting more than 3 weeks
2
Very large or unusually painful ulcers
3
Frequent recurrences
4
Ulcers with fever or feeling generally unwell
5
You need treatment advice

Seek emergency care if

Ulcer that has been present for more than 3 weeks and is getting larger (possible oral cancer)
Severe difficulty swallowing or breathing
Mouth ulcers with widespread skin blisters

Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department

Common Questions About Mouth Ulcers

What causes mouth ulcers?

Common causes include minor trauma (biting the cheek, sharp food), stress, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies (B12, iron, folate), and certain foods (citrus, spicy food). Some people are genetically prone to them.

When is a mouth ulcer serious?

See a doctor or dentist if an ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks, is growing, bleeds easily, or you have unexplained lumps in the mouth or neck. Any persistent, non-healing ulcer in a smoker or heavy drinker should be assessed urgently.

What helps mouth ulcers heal faster?

Topical gels (Bonjela, SM-33), antimicrobial mouthwash (chlorhexidine), and avoiding acidic/spicy foods speed healing. For severe or recurrent ulcers, a doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid paste.

Are mouth ulcers contagious?

Common aphthous ulcers are NOT contagious. Cold sores (which can appear on the lips) ARE contagious. The two are often confused but are different conditions.

Ready to get help?

Our Australian-registered doctors are available now. Most consultations completed within an hour.