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Mouth ulcers concerns

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth, usually on the soft tissue - cheeks, lips or tongue. They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen.

Although they're uncomfortable, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and clear up by themselves within a week or two.

In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear, but triggers are thought to include:

  • Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth
  • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Hard food
  • A defective filling
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Hormonal changes – some women develop mouth ulcers during their monthly period
  • Eating certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour
  • Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
  • Stopping smoking – when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers
  • Viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease
  • Medical conditions - including vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, reactive arthritis, HIV, lupus, Behçet’s disease
  • Certain medications or medical treatments may also cause mouth ulcers

It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home to help reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.

Self care

Tips for easing discomfort and aid healin…

  • Antimicrobial mouthwash or protective paste, available from your pharmacist
  • Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
  • Use a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating
  • Avoid hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals
  • Use a straw to drink cool drinks
  • Avoid things that may be triggering your mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can sometimes be a possible symptom of a more serious problem such as infection or mouth cancer. It's therefore essential that you contact [practice name] as soon as possible if you notice:

  • your mouth ulcer has lasted three or more weeks
  • you keep getting mouth ulcers
  • your mouth ulcer becomes more painful or red

Dentist

Dr Marcus Charles-Drummond

Dr Marcus practices general dentistry at Newcastle Dental Practice. He is known for his kind and caring approach to his patients. He has a firm belief in adopting a holistic approach to patient care and regularly puts anxious patients at ease. Dr Marcus graduated from the University of Plymouth in 2019. He is passionate about providing a high standard of care in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. ...

Dr Marcus Charles-Drummond
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Newcastle Dental Practice. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

604 Reviews

5.0

13th December 2024

Harry & Clare are great and really put nervous patients like me at ease

RS

Richard Shenton

It was the best experience I have ever had before. They put me at ease. I was so scared. But not any more I am going back..thanks again.

11th December 2024

The reception staff were friendly and approachable. The practice is clean, smart and relaxing. The dentist and hygienist listened and discussed my care. They were both very professional.

6th December 2024

Professional and friendly

5th December 2024

Very professional and efficient team.

4th December 2024

Everyone is very friendly. My dentist listens to me and gives me advice as appropriate.

28th November 2024

I felt welcomed into the practice and felt that time was taken to explain what would be happening. I also felt no judgement for how my teeth currently are

28th November 2024

The professionalism of the staff in very pleasant surroundings.

23rd November 2024

Polite staff. Prompt treatment. Clean surgery with recent sympthetic upgrade.Dentist and hygienist explained everything.

21st November 2024

The friendly and helpful receptionist.The new bright waiting area.The professional manner of Meenu Chandy and her ability to answer my questions in a clear and understandable way

20th November 2024

Very good service and keep you updated on the treatment received and required

MB

Matt B

Excellent compassionate and professional service, specifically Harrison/Marcus/Sophie.

18th November 2024

Coming from an NHS dentist to this one is a significant increase in quality and care provided, as well as being reasonably priced. All staff actually seem like they want to be there and want to help.

18th November 2024

The warmth of greeting from the reception team through to the dental nurse and clinician looking after me, made me feel valued as a client. the overall impression is that this is a very close, well knit and happy cohesive team who value the clients and who are happy in what they do.

14th November 2024

History of being well treated

13th November 2024

Reception staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Dental hygienist is calming and considerate if experiencing pain. Dentist was lovely and welcoming. Dental nurses are all friendly and professional. Feel extremely at ease at this practice. Thank you.

12th November 2024

I have been with the practice fo over 50 years, and have had many treatments over this time.I have always been satisfied with my treatment and as the years have passed the practice has improved.

12th November 2024

Ease of booking as initial consultation was booked online. For all appointments so far I have been seen on time. Dentist explained everything clearly and guided me through the treatments.

10th November 2024

All staff very experienced, the practice very clean.

9th November 2024

The practice itself is lovely- but the team there are what makes the difference. I am a very nervous patient, and every time I come they put me at ease

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