Understanding mouth ulcers
We have the expertise to recognise if an ulcer is harmless or a sign of a more serious condition
Understanding mouth ulcers
We have the expertise to recognise if an ulcer is harmless or a sign of a more serious condition
Mouth Ulcers in Milton Keynes
If you’re looking for a highly rated dental practice to assess and advise on mouth ulcers in Milton Keynes, our expert team can help.
All of our dentists have experience and training in spotting ulcers that may be an indication of serious disease. They will be able to either put your mind at ease or guide you on your next steps.
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- The only Milton Keynes dentist with 1200+ 5* Google reviews
- The largest private dental practice in Milton Keynes
- Open seven days a week
- Modern practice with the latest technology
- Experienced dentists with in-depth knowledge of ulcers
- Highly effective mouth cancer screening
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Meet our superb team
You’re in the safest of hands with our experienced general dentists. They’ll be able to expertly check your ulcer and advise on the best way forward.
How we can help
- We can check ulcers to assess if they are serious or harmless
- Referral to an appropriate specialist where necessary
- Regular check-ups and hygiene visits to help prevent ulcers
- Advice on managing normal ulcers and pain relief
- Guidance on daily oral hygiene habits and diet
- Adjustment of dental appliances or smoothing of sharp teeth if these are the cause
What are mouth ulcers?
Ulcers are painful sores that develop inside the mouth. Usually red or yellow in colour, they are generally harmless and disappear within a few days without requiring any further action.
However, ulcers can also be a sign of a serious health condition (such as mouth cancer) and it is important to have them checked if you are in any way concerned. If you have an ulcer that doesn’t resolve itself after about a week, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible.
What are the different types of mouth ulcer?
Traumatic ulcers: These are single ulcers caused by damage within the mouth. This can be as a result of accidentally biting the cheek, a sharp tooth or a poorly fitted dental device.
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: This is a common issue among children and young adults, and involves repeated occurrences of mouth ulcers. The cause remains unknown, though the condition is neither contagious nor inherited.
Other ulcers: Infections such as herpes simplex can cause ulcers (primarily in children but also sometimes in older age groups). Other less common viral and bacterial infections can be the source, though these are not very common.
Cancer and mouth ulcers
Mouth cancer can first appear as an ulcer. This is typically a single ulcer that lasts for an extended period of time (usually located on or under the tongue, though it can be elsewhere in the mouth).
Smoking and drinking can significantly increase the risk of developing mouth cancer. These two activities are known to be particularly dangerous when combined together.
Please make an appointment to see a dentist if you have an ulcer that lasts longer than a week.
Mouth ulcers FAQs
You can help minimise the risk of mouth ulcers by:
- Taking care of your mouth with a good oral hygiene regime
- Brushing your teeth with a high quality toothbrush (reduces the chance of damage to the mouth)
- Eating a healthy and varied diet – rich in vitamins A, C and E, and including plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Visiting a dentist or hygienist on a regular basis
Cold sores are painful and contagious blisters that form around or on the lips (as opposed to ulcers which appear inside the mouth).
Although the root cause of the condition is typically the herpes simplex virus, they can be triggered by other factors, including fever, trauma, hormonal changes, sun exposure and emotional distress.
While there is no current cure for cold sores, a doctor can provide prescription treatments to ease their effects. To prevent spreading it to others, remember to keep your hands clean and avoid sharing personal items.
No. Kissing and sharing drinks or utensils will not cause mouth ulcers, since they are not the result of an infection.
Usually no. Most mouth ulcers, although painful, should clear up within a few days on their own.
You should, however, make an appointment to see a dentist if:
- The ulcer lasts longer than a week
- You have ulcers that keep recurring
- You are unwell with other symptoms that you suspect could be related
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In most cases we will get back to you within 10-20 minutes. If you do not want to wait, please feel free to call us on 01908 690326. We generally answer straight away, seven days a week!