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Treating mouth sores

1 in 5 people suffer from them but what exactly are mouth sores, how do they form, and more importantly, what can you do about them?

What are mouth sores?

Mouth sores are small grey-white spots with a red border that appear inside the mouth. They are often found on the inside of the cheeks, lips, under the tongue, on the gums, or on the palate. Mouth sores can be very painful, especially when eating or drinking.

What causes mouth sores?

The exact cause of mouth sores is still unknown, but we do know several factors that can trigger or worsen them:

  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes
  • Hereditary predisposition
  • Deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C, or folic acid
  • Side effects of certain medications (e.g. fentanyl)
  • Low immune resistance
  • Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek
  • Dry mouth
  • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Minor mouth injuries


It’s important to note that mouth sores are not contagious and not dangerous.

What can you do about mouth sores?

Mouth sores usually heal on their own within about 14 days. However, if they cause significant discomfort, the following tips can help relieve the pain:

  • Avoid spicy or heavily seasoned food.
  • Ensure you get enough vitamins through a balanced diet.
  • Avoid acidic drinks such as soft drinks and orange juice.
  • Avoid hard or crusty foods like baguette or toast.
  • Don’t touch the sore with your tongue, fingers, or toothbrush.
  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation.
  • Apply an ice cube directly on the sore to soothe pain.

How can mouth sores be treated?

Although mouth sores usually heal within two weeks, the pain can sometimes make eating or drinking difficult. A few over-the-counter products can help relieve discomfort and speed up healing:

  • Perio-Aid mouthwash – available at Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Utrecht
  • Perio-Aid toothpaste – available at Mydent Mondzorg Centrum Utrecht
  • Lidocaine mouth gel – available at pharmacies
  • Evisense mouth sore gel – available at drugstores
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