Mouth Ulcers and Canker Sores: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Dentist

Neo Smile Dental Clinic · Gurugram · Updated 2026-09-10

Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are small painful spots that appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. Almost everyone gets one at some point, and while they are usually harmless, they can make eating, talking, and brushing quite uncomfortable. This guide explains why they happen, what you can do at home, and when it is time to have them checked by a dentist in Gurugram.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers

Canker sores are not usually caused by infection. They tend to appear due to a combination of local irritation and internal factors. Common causes include:

• Accidental cheek or tongue bite, or injury from a toothbrush, braces, or a sharp tooth edge
• Stress, tiredness, or lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes, especially around the menstrual cycle
• Acidic or spicy foods, citrus fruits, or certain toothpaste ingredients
• Nutritional gaps, particularly low vitamin B12, iron, or folate
• Underlying conditions such as acid reflux or, less commonly, certain digestive or immune conditions

It is worth noting that canker sores are different from cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually appear on the outer lip, and are contagious. Canker sores stay inside the mouth and are not spread from person to person.

Common Types of Mouth Ulcers

Home Remedies That Can Help

Most minor mouth ulcers heal on their own within one to two weeks. In the meantime, these steps can ease discomfort:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water two to three times a day
• Use an over the counter oral gel or antiseptic mouth rinse to reduce irritation
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods until the sore heals
• Switch to a soft bristled toothbrush and a mild, non-foaming toothpaste
• Apply a small amount of milk of magnesia directly on the ulcer to soothe it
• Stay hydrated and try to manage stress with regular sleep

If ulcers seem to appear often, keeping a simple diary of food, stress levels, and timing can help you and your dentist spot patterns.

When a Dentist's Evaluation Is Needed

While most ulcers are harmless, certain signs suggest it is time to visit a dentist rather than waiting it out. Please book a check up at our Sector 9A clinic in Gurugram if you notice:

• An ulcer that has not healed after three weeks
• Sores that keep coming back frequently, more than three to four times a year
• Unusually large, deep, or very painful ulcers
• A sore that is hard, thickened, or painless despite its size
• Bleeding, white patches, or a lump that does not go away
• Ulcers along with fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes
• Ulcers linked to a sharp tooth, ill-fitting denture, or braces that keep injuring the same spot

During an evaluation, the dentist will examine the sore, review your medical history, and check for local causes like sharp tooth edges or denture friction. In most cases, simple adjustments and topical treatment are enough. Occasionally, a referral for blood tests to check vitamin B12, iron, or folate levels may be suggested if ulcers keep recurring. Persistent or unusual sores are checked carefully, since early evaluation is the best way to rule out anything serious and start the right treatment quickly.

A Note on Prevention

You cannot always prevent mouth ulcers, but a few habits reduce how often they occur. Using a soft toothbrush, avoiding rough or sharp foods when your mouth feels sensitive, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet with enough iron and B vitamins all help. Regular dental visits also catch small issues, like a chipped tooth or loose wire on braces, before they cause repeated injury and ulcers.

If mouth ulcers are troubling you often or one simply will not heal, our team at Neo Smile Dental Clinic in Sector 9A, Gurugram, opposite ESI Hospital, can take a look and guide you on the right next step. Call +91 79482 21586 to book an appointment.

Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.