How to get rid of mouth sores

What are mouth sores? Also known as mouth ulcers, these small wounds can be found on the inside of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums, as well as at the corners of your mouth. While usually harmless, mouth sores may hint at underlying health issues and can make it tricky to eat and drink, so overall not an ideal situation.

 

If you’re struggling with little sores around your mouth, the good news is that you can get rid of them. Uncover the root causes and learn how to treat mouth sores in this guide. 

What causes mouth sores?

 

To get rid of mouth sores, start by finding out what’s triggering yours. You can then tailor your treatment plan to your body and lifestyle for the best chance of getting rid of your sores for good.

 

Here are some common culprits when you’re trying to figure out what causes mouth sores:

 

• Stress: If you’re going through life changes or struggling at work, for instance, the psychological stress can lead to sores. This is a major trigger of recurring mouth ulcers.¹
• Minor mouth injuries: It could be that your sores are caused by small wounds from biting your cheeks and tongue. Irritation from braces and retainers is also a well-known cause of ulcers.²
• Bad brushing technique: Brushing too forcefully or too often can damage the gums and lead to sores forming.²
• Vitamin deficiencies: A lack of vitamin B12 or B9 (also known as folate deficiency anaemia) often results in mouth sores. This is particularly common in vegans and vegetarians, though it could also be a sign of pernicious anaemia, an immune system disorder, or a side-effect of certain medications.³ If you suspect any of these to cause your sores, you should speak to a medical professional and get a check-up.
• Viral infections: A range of viral infections can cause mouth ulcers, from chickenpox to herpangina. You might also have the common herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). 64% of people under 50 have this infection, which spreads through kissing and leads to cold sores.⁴ HSV-1 isn’t dangerous, and most people have either no symptoms or mild mouth sores.

 

Wondering ‘why do I keep getting mouth sores?’. If your ulcers are recurring, it could be that you have one of these viral infections or deficiencies. To get a diagnosis and learn more about how to get rid of mouth sores that won’t go away, speak to your GP.

How to get rid of mouth sores

 

Mouth sores can be frustrating, but they can pass on their own if you leave them be. If you’re looking to learn how to treat mouth sores, you may be able to speed up healing or reduce pain by speaking with a pharmacist, who can recommend certain remedies. Depending on the cause of your ulcers, you can try these simple methods at home to help get rid of mouth sores:

 

• Rinse with saltwater or antiseptic mouthwash
• Apply over-the-counter mouth ulcer gels to promote healing and relieve pain
• Avoid eating spicy or acidic foods, which can irritate mouth sores

 

Even while dealing with ulcers and sensitive gums, it’s crucial that you maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections. Upgrade to the Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900, our most advanced electric toothbrush. SenseIQ technology automatically adjusts to the way you brush, with a pressure sensor to remind you that gentle cleaning is the best approach. Choose from 5 different brush modes to personalise your oral hygiene and provide comfort when brushing with mouth ulcers.

Connect your toothbrush to the Philips Sonicare app and access personalised guidance so that you can brush with confidence.

Worried about your mouth sore? Follow these steps for how to brush your teeth with a mouth sore:

 

1. Use a soft-bristle brush head on your Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900
2. Pay attention to the sensor to ensure you’re not brushing too hard
3. Use gentle, circular motions rather than harsh back-and-forth strokes
4. Around the sore, brush your teeth and gums carefully
5. Finish with a gentle rinse using salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash

 

While exploring how to get rid of mouth sores, make sure you continue to brush properly twice a day.

Tips for mouth sore prevention

 

Mouth sore prevention can start with reducing stress. Try calming rituals, like meditation and journaling, to improve your wellbeing and provide an outlet for your emotions. It’s also beneficial to get outside every day, with time spent outdoors known to lower stress levels.⁵

If you’re wondering, ‘why do I keep getting mouth sores?’ and you don’t have a viral infection, look at your diet. Ensure you’re eating foods that are high in vitamin B12 and B9, including:⁶

 

• Liver and beef (if you eat meat)
• Eggs and cheese
• Nutritional yeast (a great source of B vitamins for vegans)
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Leafy greens
• Legumes and whole grains

 

For deficiencies, your GP may recommend taking a supplement. Use this alongside a well-balanced diet to boost your levels of B12 and B9.

 

It might also be worth reviewing your medicine. Some medications can make it tricky to get rid of mouth sores, including beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.⁷ If you’re concerned that the medication you’re taking could be causing mouth sores, speak to your GP or a pharmacist for advice.

 

Our final tip? Keep your teeth and gums in great shape with a good oral hygiene routine. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush like the Sonicare Prestige 9900 for a supreme clean that’s gentle to your mouth.