A SPECIFIC TYPE OF PAINFUL MOUTH SORE
Mouth Ulcer
A specific form of mouth sore — most commonly an aphthous ulcer — with painful round or oval ulcers inside the mouth. Usually heals within 1–2 weeks with supportive care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is a Mouth Ulcer
Mouth ulcers, often referred to as aphthous ulcers or canker sores, are painful round or oval lesions that develop inside the mouth, typically on the inner cheeks, lips, gums, tongue or palate. They are usually whitish or yellowish in the centre with a red border. Most are not contagious and are different from cold sores (caused by herpes simplex virus) which usually appear on the outside of the lips. Triggers include local trauma, stress, hormonal changes, food sensitivities, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, certain medications and family predisposition. Some patients experience recurrent episodes of mouth ulcers. Most ulcers heal within 7–14 days with supportive care. Large, unusually painful, recurrent or persistent ulcers, particularly with other symptoms, need careful evaluation. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides accurate diagnosis and structured care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Local trauma — biting the cheek, sharp teeth or dental work
- Stress and emotional factors
- Hormonal changes
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Food sensitivities and acidic foods
- Certain medications
- Family history and genetic predisposition
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical examination; blood tests in recurrent cases
Minor (small, common) · Major (larger, longer-lasting) · Herpetiform (multiple small)
Most heal within 1–2 weeks
Topical care, identifying triggers and treating deficiencies
Ulcers lasting more than 2 weeks, unusual appearance or systemic symptoms
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Trigger Identification with Topical & Nutritional Support
The most effective approach combines identification and avoidance of personal triggers, topical care for symptom relief, treatment of any underlying deficiencies and dental review for local causes. Most patients see significant improvement with structured care.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika examines the mouth, reviews triggers and medical history and arranges blood tests for recurrent or severe cases.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with trigger-avoidance, topical care and nutritional support as appropriate.
- 3
Medical Management
Topical care for symptom relief, treatment of deficiencies, dietary advice and avoidance of triggers.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Review for recurrent or persistent cases, with dental or specialist referral when needed.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Trigger Avoidance
Identifying and avoiding personal triggers — local trauma, certain foods, stress factors — significantly reduces recurrent episodes.
Topical Care for Symptom Relief
Topical agents and protective gels reduce pain, support healing and protect the ulcer from further irritation.
Treatment of Deficiencies
Iron, vitamin B12, folate or zinc supplementation when deficiencies are identified through blood testing.
Dental Review for Local Triggers (Referral for dental evaluation)
Sharp teeth, rough dental work or ill-fitting dentures should be addressed to prevent further ulceration.
Specialist Evaluation for Recurrent or Unusual Cases (Referral for ENT / oral medicine)
Recurrent, large or persistent ulcers need specialist evaluation to rule out systemic causes or specific conditions.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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