Mouth Sores – What Are They and What Can You Do About Them?

Mouth sores can develop anywhere in your mouth and interfere with your ability to chew and speak. Sores can also make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed.

Because you might have mouth sores for any of a number of reasons, it’s important that you schedule an evaluation at DDS Concierge if a sore doesn’t go away within about 10 days.

Dental expert Edward Delshad, DDS, and our experienced medical team offer comprehensive exams of your mouth, tongue, and gums to determine if the sores you have require treatment.

What to know about mouth sores

Mouth sores describe lesions inside your mouth that can be uncomfortable or painful. Sores can develop for a variety of reasons – some more serious than others.

Causes of mouth sores can include:

• Burns
• Stress
• Allergies
• Tobacco use
• Hormonal changes
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease

You can also develop mouth sores if you bite the soft tissues inside your mouth accidentally or chew on the inside of your cheeks out of habit. Wearing braces can also increase your risk for mouth irritation and sores.

A range of underlying health conditions, including herpes simplex, anemia, celiac disease, and lupus, can also cause recurrent mouth sores. For instance, you might develop frequent cold sores if you have herpes or another type of viral infection.

Getting help for mouth sores

Depending on its cause, a mouth sore can lead to more serious complications if treatment is delayed. If you have an open sore, you may be at increased risk for an infection.

We recommend that you seek treatment at DDS Concierge as soon as you notice a new sore forming. You should also schedule an evaluation if you have a mouth sore that causes:

• Burning
• Blistering
• Tingling
• Bleeding

These symptoms may occur all of the time or increase when you eat or drink. Sores that develop on your cheeks or lips can also interfere with speaking.

Our team assesses your overall oral health and reviews your lifestyle habits and diet to determine the cause of your mouth sores. Based on the results of your exam, we can personalize a treatment plan to relieve the discomfort mouth sores can cause.

We can also recommend strategies you can use to prevent new sores from developing.

Exploring treatment options for mouth sores

A number of treatments are available to treat and prevent mouth sores. Our providers may recommend one or more therapies like:

• Saltwater rinses
• Topical steroid gels
• Oral anti-inflammatories
• Antiviral medications
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers

Our providers can also recommend smoking-cessation programs you can use to kick the tobacco habit for good. You should also practice good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands with soap and water throughout the day and avoiding biting your nails or chewing on the insides of your cheeks.

If you wear braces that irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, our team can make necessary adjustments to reduce your risk for mouth sores and increase your overall comfort.

Call the DDS Concierge office in Arleta or Santa Monica, California, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for mouth sores, or book a consultation online.