What does this mean?
Aphthous ulcers are small sores on the soft tissue of the mouth with a white-yellow centre and a red rim. They are not contagious and usually heal within seven to fourteen days without scarring.
What matters here is the exception: a sore lasting more than two weeks, growing, hardening or bleeding does not behave like an aphthous ulcer and must be assessed. Early detection of oral cancer changes survival decisively.
The usual triggers of simple ulcers are mechanical trauma, stress, iron and B12 deficiency, and certain systemic conditions. A sore that does not heal is a separate matter and is not waited out.
Likely causes
What helps at home?
- Avoid spicy, acidic and very hot food; the sore heals in its own time
- Toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate can reduce recurrence for some people
- Have sharp tooth edges and ill-fitting dentures corrected
- If they recur often, have your iron, folate and B12 levels checked
- A sore that has not healed after two weeks
- Hardening, growth or spontaneous bleeding in the sore
- White or red patches in the mouth that do not resolve
- Difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck
Frequently asked questions
- Are aphthous ulcers contagious?
- No. They should not be confused with cold sores at the lip margin, which are contagious; aphthous ulcers occur on the soft tissue inside the mouth.
- When should I be concerned?
- For any sore lasting beyond two weeks, or one that grows, hardens or bleeds. Get it examined rather than waiting.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.