CEENTA diagnoses and treats a variety of ear, nose, and throat conditions that affect patients daily. But did you know that our practice also treats the annoying, habit-changing condition of mouth ulcers?

In This Article...

1. What are mouth ulcers?
2. Are mouth ulcers the same as herpes?
3. What causes mouth ulcers?
4. How can you treat mouth ulcers at home?

What are mouth ulcers?

You may notice a small sore inside of your mouth that’s red or white. This is known as a mouth sore, and it is typically located on your gums, tongue, lips, or inner cheeks.

Different variations of mouth sores can include:

• Canker sores
• Erythoplakia
• Fungal yeast infection of the mouth
• Mouth cancer

Dr. Joshua Kain, a CEENTA head and neck cancer surgeon who practices out of our SouthPark and Rock Hill offices, discusses the prevalence of mouth ulcers. “Thankfully, most mouth ulcers are benign and self-limited which means they will heal without any specific treatment. However, mouth ulcers that cause concern are those which last more than four weeks. Generally speaking, this time-frame can help people distinguish between benign causes of mouth ulcers and more serious conditions like oral cancers and pre-cancers.”

Are mouth ulcers the same as herpes?

There is a common misconception that mouth ulcers and the herpes simplex virus are one and the same. While there are similarities in that they can be oral conditions, they differ quite a bit. Mouth ulcers are predominantly located inside the mouth, while cold sores from herpes are found on the outer lips. These cold sores are also contagious, while ulcers cannot be passed from person-to-person. Both of these conditions can be painful, but canker sores are generally smaller and shallow compared to their fluid-filled counterparts.

What causes mouth ulcers?

If the herpes simplex virus does not cause oral ulcers, what does? Generally, this condition can be the result of:

• Trauma to the mouth (ex. Cheek biting)
• Bacteria
• Acid from citrus fruits
• Dental work
• Contact from teeth aids like braces

In addition, other environmental factors can exacerbate mouth ulcers. Stress, hormone changes, and sleep deprivation can all make this condition more prominent.

How can you treat mouth ulcers at home?

For the most part, mouth ulcers are treatable with medicinal and home remedies. Your physician may recommend a steroid mouthwash or topical ointment to apply to the ulcer in addition to antiseptic medication.

At home, you can also swish salt water to counteract the acidity in your mouth that is helpful for ulcers. Adjusting your diet can help by reducing the amount of acidic food and beverages you consume, such as citrus fruits, peppers, and coffee. “For patients that suffer from frequent ulcers, some find improvement by switching to an ‘SLS-free’ toothpaste,” Dr. Kain explains. “SLS, or sodium-lauryl-sulfate, is a compound that gives toothpaste the bubbly feeling we are accustomed to. This compound does reduce the healing time of our mouth and gum linings and does prolong recovery after forming a mouth ulcer for some people.”

Mouth cancer requires a more thorough approach to treatment, sometimes requiring the aid of an otolaryngologist. At CEENTA, our board-certified surgeons offer oral procedures to remove malignant sores and retain the natural symmetry of your face in the process. To schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Kain at our SouthPark or Rock Hill locations, call 704-295-3000.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor, you may do so online or through myCEENTAchart.