Almost everyone gets a mouth sore now and then — and most heal on their own within a week or two. But sores that keep coming back, refuse to heal, or make eating and speaking painful deserve a professional look. Knowing which kind of sore you have is the key to treating it, and to knowing when a sore is a warning sign of something more serious.
Common Types and Causes of Mouth Sores
- Canker sores — small, shallow ulcers inside the mouth; not contagious
- Cold sores — fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus; contagious
- Irritation sores — from braces, dentures that don’t fit right, a rough tooth edge, or a cheek bite
- Oral thrush — a fungal infection producing creamy white patches
- Burns from hot food or drinks
- Sores linked to stress, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies (B-12, iron, folate), or certain medications
Mouth Sore Treatments
Most simple sores need only comfort care while they heal — but the right treatment depends on the cause, which is what your exam determines. At Concierge Dental Group, treatment may include:
- Topical medications to relieve pain and speed healing
- Prescription antiviral or antifungal medication when a virus or fungus is the cause
- Smoothing a rough tooth or adjusting a denture or appliance that's causing irritation
- Nutritional guidance when deficiencies are contributing
- A biopsy or referral when a sore needs further evaluation
The Two-Week Rule
Any mouth sore that hasn't healed within two weeks should be examined — no exceptions. Persistent sores, especially painless ones, can be an early sign of oral cancer, which is most treatable when caught early. An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and part of every comprehensive exam we do.
Mouth Sore FAQs
Q. When is a mouth sore serious?
A. See a dentist for any sore that lasts longer than two weeks, keeps returning in the same spot, bleeds easily, or is accompanied by a lump, numbness, or difficulty swallowing.
Q. Are canker sores and cold sores the same thing?
A. No. Canker sores occur inside the mouth and aren't contagious. Cold sores usually appear on or around the lips, are caused by a virus, and can spread to others.
Q. What can I do at home while a sore heals?
A. Rinse with warm salt water, avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods, and use an over-the-counter oral pain gel as directed. If it isn't clearly improving within two weeks, book an exam.