Mouth sores: their types, causes, and treatments.
Despite often being small, mouth sores can cause significant discomfort, particularly when eating, drinking, and speaking.
In this article, we will examine the various types of mouth sores and their potential causes and provide practical tips for prevention and treatment to help you better understand how to relieve discomfort and improve your overall oral health.
What are mouth sores?
Mouth sores are small lesions that typically appear on the tongue, lips, gums, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the corners of the mouth. They can vary in appearance, severity, and size, often causing pain and discomfort.
Different types of mouth sores
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous types of mouth sores that can vary in appearance and severity. Below, we will explore some of these types to help you gain a deeper understanding of what different mouth sores look like and what might cause them.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
Canker sores, otherwise known as aphthous ulcers, are small lesions that usually appear inside the gums, lips, or on the tongue. They are usually round with a white or yellow center and a red border. This type of mouth sore is not contagious and generally isn’t a cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable, especially while you eat. Canker sores typically heal on their own within a few weeks. However, if a sore persists or if you have canker sores frequently, you should consult a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying health conditions.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is an oral infection that can lead to inflammation, blisters, and sores within the mouth. This infection can be painful and may cause side effects such as bad breath (halitosis) and fever. Herpetic gingivostomatitis often results from a virus or bacteria, which can develop due to a lack of care with oral hygiene. While this is a condition that usually only affects children, it can also affect adults.
Cold sores
Cold sores are small blisters filled with fluid that usually develop at the corners of the mouth or on the lips. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores can be spread by sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, utensils, and lip products.
Mouth sores from braces
Mouth sores can also come from orthodontic treatments like braces. This is quite common and can cause some discomfort. These types of mouth sores typically occur due to irritation from braces rubbing on the inside of the cheeks, lips, gums, roof of mouth, or tongue.
Other mouth sores
While we've already discussed some of the more common types of mouth sores, below is a summary of some other types you may encounter:
- Leukoplakia: These mouth sores appear as thick, white patches on the gums, inside of the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth, and sometimes the tongue. These patches could be precancerous and are often associated with excessive smoking.
- Traumatic ulcers: Caused by trauma to the mouth or a physical injury, such as biting your cheek or irritation from sharp edges of broken teeth against the cheeks or gums.
- Lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to redness, irritation, white patches, and open sores in the mouth.
- Candidiasis (thrush): This is a fungal infection caused by candida, leading to white mouth sores usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. Candidiasis can be caused by certain medications or a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of different types of mouth sores
Mouth sores can have different symptoms depending on their type (such as cold sores, gingivostomatitis, or canker sores). Typically, you may notice a lesion or blister in or around your mouth, along with redness and inflammation. You might also experience discomfort and pain even before the mouth sore becomes visible.
Below are some specific symptoms associated with different types of mouth sores:
- One of the main symptoms you may experience with cold sores is tingling or itching around the mouth before the sores appear. They typically show up as small blisters filled with fluid on the lips or in the corners of the mouth.
- Canker sores often present as red bumps with a yellow or white center, appearing on or under your tongue, gums, cheeks, or lips. As with cold sores, one of the main symptoms of canker sores is that you might feel a slight burning or tingling sensation in your mouth before sores become visible.
- Gingivostomatitis may cause sores on the inside of the cheeks, along with additional symptoms such as bad breath and a fever.
What are the causes of mouth sores?
Mouth sores, such as cold sores or sores on the tongue, in the corners of the mouth, or on the roof of the mouth, can arise from a variety of causes.
So if you’re wondering “What are the main causes of mouth sores?”, read on to find out why they may develop:
- Infections and viruses: The herpes simplex virus, for example, causes cold sores. Fungal and bacterial infections can also lead to mouth sores on the tongue.
- Physical irritation: Dental appliances, sharp teeth, or accidental biting can irritate areas of the mouth, potentially leading to sores or ulcers.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential minerals or vitamins, such as iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid, can contribute to the development of mouth sores, particularly on the tongue.
Several factors can increase your chances of getting mouth sores. For instance, stress, too much exposure to UV rays, or having a weakened immune system due to another illness can make you more prone to developing or repeatedly experiencing mouth sores.
How to get rid of sores in the mouth: the best treatments
Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores, can be quite irritating and painful. Here are some tips on how to relieve the pain caused by mouth sores and possibly get rid of them completely:
- Topical creams or ointments: Depending on the type of sore, your doctor or pharmacist might recommend a topical cream or ointment. These products often provide a cooling or numbing effect to relieve discomfort.
- Cold compresses: Applying a cold, damp cloth to mouth sores on your lips or in the corners of your mouth can help reduce irritation and soothe the area.
- Antiviral medications: If your mouth sore is caused by a virus, such as with cold sores, antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor can be the most effective treatment.
- Supplements: If your canker sores are due to deficiencies in nutrients like iron or vitamin B12, taking supplements may help with treatment.
- Saltwater rinses: Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help reduce bacteria levels and promote faster healing.
- Natural remedies: Applying honey or aloe vera directly to mouth sores can aid in healing due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to these treatments, here are some tips that can help reduce inflammation of the likes of cold sores and canker sores and accelerate healing:
- Keep up with a good oral hygiene routine to prevent further infection.
- Steer clear of acidic or spicy foods that might irritate mouth sores or aphthous ulcers.
- Drink plenty of water to rinse away excess bacteria and to stay hydrated.
Following these tips can effectively alleviate discomfort from mouth sores. If your sores persist or worsen, be sure to consult a medical professional to find the right treatment for you.
How to treat mouth sores from braces and other orthodontic appliances
If you have a mouth sore from braces and want to know how to treat it, you can follow the suggestions outlined above.
However, for immediate relief, you can use dental wax and mold it to form a barrier between your braces and the area of your mouth where you’re feeling pain or discomfort.
Prevent mouth sores from braces with Impress clear aligner treatment
Straightening your teeth with Impress clear aligners helps prevent bacteria from building up between crooked or crowded teeth, lowering the risk of mouth sores. Impress clear aligners are comfortable, discreet, and removable, which reduces the chance of developing mouth sores from orthodontic appliances, unlike traditional metal braces.
Find out more about our clear aligner treatments or our other available treatments by visiting us at an Impress clinic near you. Schedule a complimentary consultation online or by calling us at 888.490.1421.
Frequently asked questions about mouth sores
Are sores in the mouth contagious?
Whether sores in the mouth are contagious depends on their type. Therefore, if you have a mouth sore, consult a medical professional to determine if it can spread to others. To avoid spreading mouth sores, refrain from touching them, maintain good hygiene by washing your hands, and avoid sharing personal items like your toothbrush or lip products.
Can braces cause mouth sores?
Yes, braces can cause sores in the mouth. When parts of your braces come into contact with your gums, tongue, and other areas in your mouth, they can cause irritation that may turn into a sore.
Does stress cause sores in the mouth?
Sores in the mouth, especially canker sores, can develop as a result of stress. They can form because of hormonal changes, a weakened immune system, or physical responses to stress, such as chewing on the inside of the cheeks or bruxism (teeth grinding).
Does salt water help with mouth sores?
Salt water does help with mouth sores in some cases. It has antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation, minimize the risk of further infection, and speed up healing.
Why do I keep getting mouth sores?
If you’re someone who often has sores in your mouth, you may be wondering why they keep appearing. There could be several reasons why mouth sores may reappear, including viral infections, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and side effects of medication. In any case, if you have recurring mouth sores, you should see a doctor so that they can determine the reason why and recommend an appropriate treatment.
