Mouth Ulcers and Oral Pain

Mouth ulcers are small sores that appear inside your mouth, usually on your lips, tongue, or the inside of your cheeks. They’re harmless and will clear up by themselves within a couple of weeks, but they can cause pain and irritation that will leave you searching for a way to get rid of them fast. Although mouth ulcers need time to heal, there are products you can use to ease your pain until the sore has cleared up. A number of pain relief sprays and gels are available over the counter in the UK from top brands like Bonjela and Iglu. They can be applied directly to your mouth ulcer, soothing the area so you can eat and drink in peace.

A mouth ulcer is generally caused by something that you can avoid doing in order to prevent them which includes:

• Biting the inside of the cheek
• Braces or dentures that are badly fitted
• Rough fillings
• A sharp tooth
• Cuts or burns when eating and drinking
• An allergy
• Damaging the gums with toothpasteFeeling stressed, anxious, or tired

There are also cases where an ulcer cannot be prevented. These include:

• Hormone changes
• A genetic history of getting mouth ulcers more often
• A long-term condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, or Behçet's disease
• A vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
• Some types of medication
• Stopping smoking

The time it takes for a mouth ulcer or oral pain treatment to work will depend on the treatment itself. In most cases, it will take up to a week for the treatment to work, though it can take longer. If you want to know more about the different types of treatment on offer, speak to a Chemist 4 U pharmacist.