Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that can appear on the tongue, inner lips, cheeks, or gums. They are very common and are often caused by stress, lack of sleep, acidity, dehydration, spicy or acidic foods, accidental cheek biting, sharp teeth, braces, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. In some people, repeated ulcers may occur due to vitamin deficiencies such as low vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid. Food allergies, hormonal changes, weakened immunity, or certain medical conditions may also contribute to frequent ulcers. Most simple mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. To help reduce discomfort and speed healing, avoid spicy, salty, sour, or very hot foods, drink plenty of water, and maintain good oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush. Warm salt water rinses may soothe irritation, and ulcer gels may help reduce pain. Eating a healthy diet and managing stress may also reduce recurrence. However, you should consult a doctor, dentist, or ENT specialist if the ulcers are very large, extremely painful, keep returning frequently, last more than 2 weeks, cause difficulty eating or swallowing, or are associated with fever, weight loss, bleeding, swelling, or white/red patches in the mouth. Persistent or severe ulcers sometimes require medical tests to identify the underlying cause and provide proper treatment.

Mouth ulcers can be very painful, especially while eating, drinking, or speaking, but most ulcers improve within 1-2 weeks with proper care. For quick relief, avoid spicy, sour, salty, or very hot foods, as these can worsen irritation and pain. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining good oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush may also help the ulcers heal faster. Warm salt water rinses 2-3 times a day can reduce discomfort and keep the mouth clean. Applying ulcer gels may help reduce pain and support healing. In some people, vitamin supplements such as vitamin B complex may also help, especially if the ulcers are related to nutritional deficiency or weakness. Stress, lack of sleep, acidity, dehydration, accidental cheek biting, and vitamin deficiencies are common causes of mouth ulcers. Try to get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and avoid tobacco or smoking if applicable. Mild pain-relief medicines may sometimes help if the pain is severe, but repeated or long-term use should be avoided without medical advice. If the ulcers are very large, keep returning frequently, last more than 2 weeks, or are associated with fever, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or swelling, you should consult a doctor, dentist, or ENT specialist for proper evaluation and treatment. Persistent ulcers may sometimes require further tests to identify the underlying cause.