Recurrent Mouth Ulcers

Question: What can be done to heal and stop recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and throat?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Recurring ulcers of your mouth, tongue, and throat should be evaluated by a medical professional. They may be simple stress ulcers, or you may be vitamin deficient, or you may be unlucky enough to have some condition predisposing you to forming ulcers.

Some recurring mouth ulcers may be from a herpes virus of either type 1 (cold sore version) or type 2 (genital herpes) origin. Other very common mouth ulcers are bacterial. We have effective oral antiviral and antibacterial agents for both these infectious causes of mouth ulcers.

Occasionally, less common disorders such as selective vitamin deficiencies (B or C vitamins) or underlying immune related conditions or infections may be present and need further evaluation.

Recurring oral lesions should always be evaluated by a professional. Sometimes blood and/or lesion testing is advised, especially if lesions continue to recur despite intervention.