Mouth ulcers
Sprays, rinses and tablets to ease discomfort.
Secure delivery
UK clinicians
Mouth ulcers are a pretty common thing to get. They usually appear and then clear up on their own after a week or two. Anyone can get them and they’re not usually serious, but can feel a bit uncomfortable.
If you have regular flare ups, you can get help for them. Order mouth ulcer treatment online.
They appear as round sores in the mouth and can feel pretty uncomfortable and painful. In most people, they heal quickly, without treatment. But some people may notice that they get mouth ulcers more regularly, and might need some help to deal with them.
Anyone can get mouth ulcers at any stage of their life. They might crop up more often if you feel run down or stressed, and can happen if you accidentally cut or burn your mouth on food and drink.
Mouth ulcers are very common. It’s been estimated that as many as 25% of the global population have mouth ulcers at any one time.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
There’s no one set cause for mouth ulcers as they can occur for many different reasons. Often they’re caused by a continual irritation to an area of your mouth. For instance, if you keep accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, or you have a sharp tooth that scratches the inside of your mouth.
Changes in hormone levels or vitamin deficiencies can cause them too, as can lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking.
Sometimes what you eat and drink can trigger them. If you scratch your mouth on something sharp or burn the inside of your cheek by drinking your tea before it’s cool enough, these can cause an ulcer to occur.
They’re circular sores that usually appear inside the mouth on the cheeks, lips or tongue. Sometimes they’ll crop up underneath your tongue too. They can look grey, red, yellow or white in colour and may also appear swollen.
You might get more than one ulcer at a time, and in some cases they can also spread and get bigger. But it’s important to know that they’re not contagious, and can’t be spread from person to person.
They’re sometimes confused with cold sores, but are actually very different. Cold sores are blisters that develop on or around the lips caused by a virus. They usually begin with a tingling or burning sensation on the mouth. Ulcers don’t present in this way.
It’s very rare for mouth ulcers to lead to any other problems. Very occasionally they can lead to a bacterial infection, or cause a small amount of scarring, but not very often. Most mouth ulcers will disappear on their own after a week or so.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
There are a few different ways to treat mouth ulcers if they’re bothering you or you’re having recurrent episodes. Using antiseptic mouthwashes can help soothe, cool and bring down any inflammation.
Taking vitamin B12 can also help, even if you’re not deficient in it. It’s worth getting some advice from a clinician before you start taking vitamin B12 to make sure you get the dosage right.
Sometimes, if a mouth ulcer gets infected then you might need antibiotics to help treat it. In some cases topical steroids are used to bring down any swelling that occurs, if the ulcers are really painful or big.
There’s no one size fits all treatment for mouth ulcers. It depends on how they’re affecting you, their size and how often you get them. The first port of call to treat them is usually an antiseptic mouthwash, which will help soothe and treat the site. They can be used a couple of times a day, or on the advice of your prescribing clinician.
Mouth ulcers will usually go away on their own without any treatment. This often happens a week or two after you first notice them. If they are recurrent or generally painful, you should have a quick chat with a clinician who will be able to help and advise you on the next steps to take.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Simple spray to treat mouth ulcers. Relieves pain and speeds up healing.
Mouth ulcer spray that tackles symptoms quickly.
Promotes good oral hygiene and helps heal mouth ulcers. Similar to Corsodyl.
An effective treatment that heals mouth ulcers within five days.
Antibiotic oral rinse that helps prevent ulcers and infections. Ideal if you get recurrent ulcers.
Increases your vitamin B12 levels which can help prevent mouth ulcers.
Soluble tablets used as mouthwash that help reduce inflammation and pain in your mouth.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigAlways read the leaflet that comes with your medication and tell us about any side effects you get.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Here are some other things we can help with.
Choose from our range of tablets and solutions. Get ongoing care and support from our experts.
Stop smoking treatments that can help you kick the habit forever, and reduce your risk of disease.
Tablets or injections. Tailored weight loss treatments combined with ongoing support from our experts.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Mouth ulcers. Oral Health Foundation.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
We’ve sent you an email asking you to confirm your email address.