Mouth Ulcers: Causes and When to Worry
Most mouth ulcers heal in 1 to 2 weeks. See a doctor or dentist if one lasts over 3 weeks, keeps returning, or you use tobacco, gutka or paan and have a sore.
Condition guide
Mouth ulcers
Also known as Chhale, Munh ke chhale, Aphthous ulcers, Canker sores.
In short
Most mouth ulcers are harmless, either aphthous ulcers (canker sores) or small injuries from biting the cheek or a sharp tooth, and they heal on their own within one to two weeks. An ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks, is unusually large, bleeds, keeps coming back, or appears with a red or white patch or a lump should be checked by a doctor or dentist. This matters especially in India, where oral cancer is common and smoking or chewing tobacco, gutka, paan or areca nut raises the risk.
Typical signs
- Round or oval sores with a white, yellow or grey base and a red halo
- Sores on the inside of the lips and cheeks or under the tongue
- Pain, especially with citrus fruit or spicy food
- A sore after biting the cheek, a sharp tooth, braces or a hot drink
- Ulcers that come back from time to time
When to see a dermatologist
- An ulcer has not healed in 3 weeks
- You get ulcers very often, or they are large and leave scars
- You have a white or red patch, a lump, or a burning, stiff mouth, especially if you use tobacco or areca nut
- You also have ulcers on the genitals or skin, painful joints, eye symptoms or gut symptoms
- Go to an emergency department or call 112 or 108 if mouth sores come with a spreading rash, blisters, peeling skin, sore eyes or fever, especially after a new medicine
- Get emergency help for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.
Read the guides
Full, referenced articles on mouth ulcers written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.
Worried about mouth ulcers?
Book an online consultation with Dr. Maria Ansari for an assessment and a written care plan made for you.
This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.