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Mouth Sores and Inflammation

(Stomatitis)

By

Bernard J. Hennessy

, DDS, Texas A&M University, College of Dentistry

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2024
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

People may have swelling and redness of the lining of the mouth or individual, painful ulcers. An ulcer is a sore that forms a hole in the lining of the mouth when the top layer of cells breaks down. Many ulcers appear red, but some are white because of dead cells and food debris inside the center portion. Blisters are sores that are raised and filled with clear fluid (they are called vesicles or bullae, depending on size). Rarely, the mouth looks normal even though people have symptoms of mouth inflammation (burning mouth syndrome Burning Mouth Syndrome Burning mouth syndrome is mouth pain, usually involving the tongue, in people who do not have any visible sores or abnormalities in their mouth. Burning mouth syndrome probably represents a... read more ).

Noncancerous (benign) ulcers are usually painful until healing is well underway. The pain makes eating difficult, which sometimes leads to dehydration and undernutrition. Some sores go away but recur.

Causes of Mouth Sores and Inflammation

There are many types and causes of mouth sores. Mouth sores may be caused by an infection, a bodywide (systemic) disease, a physical or chemical irritant, or an allergic reaction (see table ). Often the cause is unknown. In general, because the normal flow of saliva helps protect the lining of the mouth, any condition that decreases saliva production makes mouth sores more likely (see Dry Mouth Dry Mouth Dry mouth is caused by a reduced or absent flow of saliva. This condition can cause discomfort, interfere with speech and swallowing, make wearing dentures difficult, cause bad breath (halitosis)... read more ).

The most common causes of mouth sores are

Viral infections

Viruses are the most common infectious causes of mouth sores. Cold sores of the lip and, less commonly, ulcers on the palate caused by the herpes simplex virus Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections Herpes simplex virus infection causes recurring episodes of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, lips (cold sores), eyes, or genitals. This very contagious viral infection... read more Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections are perhaps the most well known. However, many other viruses can cause mouth sores. Varicella-zoster, the virus responsible for chickenpox Chickenpox Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection with the varicella-zoster virus that causes a characteristic itchy rash, consisting of small, raised, blistered, or crusted spots. Chickenpox... read more Chickenpox as well as the painful skin disorder called shingles Shingles Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a viral infection that results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. What causes the virus to reactivate... read more Shingles , can cause multiple sores to form on one side of the mouth. These sores are the result of a flare-up of the virus, which, just like herpes simplex virus, never leaves the body. Occasionally, the mouth remains painful for months or years or even permanently after the sores have healed.

Other infections

Syphilis may produce a red, painless sore (chancre) that develops in the mouth or on the lips during the early stage of infection. The sore usually heals after several weeks. About 4 to 10 weeks later, a white area (mucous patch) may form on the lip or inside the mouth if the syphilis has not been treated. Both the chancre and the mucous patch are highly contagious, and kissing may spread the disease during these stages. In late-stage syphilis, a hole (gumma) may appear in the palate or tongue. The disease is not contagious at this stage.

The yeast Candida albicans is a normal resident of the mouth. However, it can overgrow in people who have taken antibiotics or corticosteroids or who have a weak immune system, such as people with AIDS Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a viral infection that progressively destroys certain white blood cells and is treated with antiretroviral medications. If untreated, it can cause... read more Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) . Candida can cause whitish, cheese-like patches that destroy the top layer of the lining of the mouth (thrush) when wiped off. Sometimes only flat, red areas appear.

Injury or irritation

Any type of damage or injury to the mouth, for instance, when the inside of the cheek is accidentally bitten or scraped by broken or jagged teeth or poor-fitting dentures, can cause blisters (vesicles or bullae) or ulcers to form in the mouth. Typically, the surface of a blister breaks down quickly (ruptures), forming an ulcer.

Many foods and chemicals can be irritating or trigger a type of allergic reaction, causing mouth sores. Acidic foods, cinnamon flavoring, or astringents may be particularly irritating, as can certain ingredients in common substances such as toothpaste, mouthwash, candy, and gum.

Tobacco

Tobacco use can cause mouth sores. The sores most likely result from exposure to the irritants, toxins, and carcinogens found naturally in tobacco products but may also result from the drying effects on the lining of the mouth, the high temperatures in the mouth, changes to the acidity of the mouth, or decreased resistance to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.

Medications and radiation therapy

The most common medications causing mouth sores include certain cancer chemotherapy drugs. Radiation therapy is also a common cause of mouth sores. Medications containing gold, which were once used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some other autoimmune disorders, can cause mouth sores, but these medications are rarely used because safer and more effective medications are now available. Rarely, people may develop mouth sores after taking antibiotics.

Systemic disorders

Many diseases affect the mouth along with other parts of the body. Behçet disease Behçet Disease Behçet disease is chronic blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) that can cause painful mouth and genital sores, skin lesions, and eye problems. The joints, nervous system, and digestive tract... read more Behçet Disease , an inflammatory disease affecting many organs, including the eyes, genitals, skin, joints, blood vessels, brain, and gastrointestinal tract, can cause recurring, painful mouth sores. Stevens-Johnson syndrome Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are two forms of the same life-threatening skin disorder that cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes. (See also Overview... read more Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) , a type of allergic reaction, causes skin blisters and mouth sores. Some people with inflammatory bowel disease Overview of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) In inflammatory bowel diseases, the intestine (bowel) becomes inflamed, often causing recurring abdominal pain and diarrhea. The 2 primary types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are Crohn... read more also develop mouth sores. People with severe celiac disease Celiac Disease Celiac disease is a hereditary intolerance to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) that causes characteristic changes in the lining of the small intestine, resulting in malabsorption... read more Celiac Disease , which is caused by an intolerance to gluten (a component of wheat and some other grains), often develop mouth sores. Lichen planus Lichen Planus Lichen planus, a recurring itchy disease, starts as a rash of small, separate, red or purple bumps that then combine and become rough, scaly patches. The cause is unknown but may be a reaction... read more Lichen Planus , a skin disease, can rarely cause mouth sores, although usually these sores are not as uncomfortable as those on the skin. Pemphigus vulgaris Pemphigus Vulgaris Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare, severe autoimmune disorder in which blisters of varying sizes break out on the skin and on the lining of the mouth and other mucous membranes. Pemphigus vulgaris... read more Pemphigus Vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid Bullous Pemphigoid Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin. Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the skin and causes blistering... read more Bullous Pemphigoid , both skin diseases, can also cause blisters to form in the mouth.

Evaluation of Mouth Sores and Inflammation

Not all mouth sores require immediate evaluation by a doctor. The following information can help people decide whether a doctor’s evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation.

Warning signs

In people with mouth sores, certain symptoms and characteristics are cause for concern for systemic disorders. They include

When to see a doctor

People who have warning signs should see a doctor right away. People who have no warning signs but have a lot of pain, feel generally ill, and/or have trouble eating should see a doctor within several days. All people with a sore that lasts for 10 days or more must be examined by a dentist or doctor to ensure that the sore is not cancerous or precancerous.

What the doctor does

Doctors first ask questions about the person's symptoms and medical history. Doctors ask people about their consumption of or exposure to food, medications, and other substances (such as tobacco, chemicals, toothpaste, mouthwashes, metals, fumes, or dust). Doctors need to know about all currently known conditions that might cause mouth sores (such as herpes simplex Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections Herpes simplex virus infection causes recurring episodes of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, lips (cold sores), eyes, or genitals. This very contagious viral infection... read more Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections , Behçet disease Behçet Disease Behçet disease is chronic blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) that can cause painful mouth and genital sores, skin lesions, and eye problems. The joints, nervous system, and digestive tract... read more Behçet Disease , or inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) ), conditions that are risk factors for mouth sores (such as a weakened immune system, cancer, or HIV infection), and the person’s sexual history.

Doctors then do a physical examination. The mouth is inspected, noting the location and nature of any sores. Doctors then do a general examination to look for signs of systemic disorders that could affect the mouth. The skin, eyes, and genitals are examined for any sores, blisters, or rashes.

What doctors find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the mouth sores and the tests that may need to be done.

Table

Testing

  • Sometimes cultures, blood tests, or biopsy

The need for tests depends on what doctors find during the history and physical examination, particularly whether warning signs are present. People with a brief episode of mouth sores and no symptoms or risk factors for a systemic illness probably require no testing. In people with several episodes of mouth sores, viral and bacterial cultures and various blood tests are done. A biopsy may be done for persistent sores that do not have an obvious cause.

Eliminating foods from the diet one at a time or changing brands of toothpaste, chewing gum, or mouthwash can be useful to determine whether a specific food or mouth care product is causing the sores.

Treatment of Mouth Sores and Inflammation

  • Treatment of the cause

  • Avoidance of irritating foods and substances

  • Topical treatments

Doctors treat the cause, if known. For example, people are given antibiotics for bacterial infections. Avoiding any substances or medications that are causing the mouth sores is recommended. Frequent, gentle toothbrushing with a soft brush and salt-water rinses may help keep sores from becoming infected.

Pain can be helped by avoiding acidic or highly salty foods and any other substances that are irritating.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments are substances applied directly to an affected part of the body. Topical treatments for mouth sores include

  • Anesthetics

  • Protective coatings

  • Corticosteroids

  • Burning with a laser or chemicals

An anesthetic such as dyclonine or lidocaine may be used as a mouth rinse. However, because these mouth rinses numb the mouth and throat and thus may make swallowing difficult, children using them should be watched to ensure that they do not choke on their food. Lidocaine in a thicker preparation (viscous lidocaine) can also be swabbed directly on the mouth sore. People who use these rinses should use them only in recommended doses to avoid toxic effects.

Protective coatings containing sucralfate and aluminum-magnesium antacids can be soothing when applied as a rinse. Many doctors add other ingredients such as lidocaine and/or diphenhydramine (an antihistamine). Amlexanox paste is another alternative. These coatings may help the discomfort but do not treat the cause of the sores. Mouth rinses that contain alcohol (ethanol) should be avoided, because they may actually make the mouth sores worse.

Once doctors are sure that the sore is not caused by an infection, they may prescribe a corticosteroid rinse or a corticosteroid gel to be applied to each sore.

Some mouth sores can be treated with a low-powered laser, which relieves pain immediately and often prevents sores from returning. Chemically burning the sore with a small stick coated with silver nitrate may similarly relieve pain but is not as effective as a laser.

Key Points

  • A mouth sore that lasts more than 10 days should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist.

  • Isolated mouth sores in people with no other symptoms or risk factors for a systemic illness are usually caused by a viral infection or recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

  • Symptoms outside the mouth, a rash, or both suggest a more immediate need for evaluation.

More Information

The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

  • MouthHealthy.org: Provides information on oral health, including nutrition and guidance on selecting products that carry the American Dental Association's seal of approval. There is also advice on finding a dentist and how and when to see one.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
ENDUR-ACIN, ENDUR-AMIDE, Niacor, Niaspan, NiaVasc, Nicomide-T, Slo-Niacin
7T Lido, Akten , ALOCANE, ANASTIA, AneCream, Anestacon, Aspercreme with Lidocaine, AsperFlex, Astero , BenGay, Blue Tube, Blue-Emu, CidalEaze, DermacinRx Lidocan III, DermacinRx Lidogel, DermacinRx Lidorex, DERMALID, Ela-Max, GEN7T, Glydo, Gold Bond, LidaFlex, LidaMantle, Lidocan, Lidocare, Lidoderm, LidoDose, LidoDose Pediatric, Lidofore, LidoHeal-90, LIDO-K , LidoLite, Lidomar , Lidomark, LidoPure, LidoReal-30, LidoRx, Lidosense 4 , Lidosense 5, Lidosol, Lidosol-50, LIDO-SORB, Lidotral, Lidovix L, LIDOZION, Lidozo, LMX 4, LMX 4 with Tegaderm, LMX 5, LTA, Lydexa, Moxicaine, Numbonex, ReadySharp Lidocaine, RectaSmoothe, RectiCare, Salonpas Lidocaine, Senatec, Solarcaine, SUN BURNT PLUS, Tranzarel, Xyliderm, Xylocaine, Xylocaine Dental, Xylocaine in Dextrose, Xylocaine MPF, Xylocaine Topical, Xylocaine Topical Jelly, Xylocaine Topical Solution, Xylocaine Viscous, Zilactin-L, Zingo, Zionodi, ZTlido
Carafate
Aid to Sleep, Alka-Seltzer Plus Allergy, Aller-G-Time , Altaryl, Banophen , Benadryl, Benadryl Allergy, Benadryl Allergy Children's , Benadryl Allergy Dye Free, Benadryl Allergy Kapgel, Benadryl Allergy Quick Dissolve, Benadryl Allergy Ultratab, Benadryl Children's Allergy, Benadryl Children's Allergy Fastmelt, Benadryl Children's Perfect Measure, Benadryl Itch Stopping, Ben-Tann , Children's Allergy, Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid, Diphedryl , DIPHEN, Diphen AF , Diphenhist, DiphenMax , Dytan, ElixSure Allergy, Genahist , Geri-Dryl, Hydramine, Itch Relief , M-Dryl, Nighttime Sleep Aid, Nytol, PediaCare Children's Allergy, PediaCare Nighttime Cough, PediaClear Children's Cough, PHARBEDRYL, Q-Dryl, Quenalin , Siladryl Allergy, Silphen , Simply Sleep , Sleep Tabs, Sleepinal, Sominex, Sominex Maximum Strength, Theraflu Multi-Symptom Strip, Triaminic Allergy Thin Strip, Triaminic Cough and Runny Nose Strip, Tusstat, Unisom, Uni-Tann, Valu-Dryl , Vanamine PD, Vicks Qlearquil Nighttime Allergy Relief, Vicks ZzzQuil Nightime Sleep-Aid
No brand name available
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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