Mouth sores

Mouth sores have several causes, and not all are canker sores. Braces, dentures, cheek biting, infections, and treatments such as chemotherapy can cause sores. A licensed physician in your state can review your symptoms and decide whether a prescription rinse, another treatment, or an in-person exam is appropriate.

Many minor mouth sores heal within one to two weeks. Results vary. Larger sores, ongoing rubbing, infections, or cancer treatment may lead to a longer healing time. Have a sore checked if it lasts more than two weeks, gets worse, or makes eating or drinking difficult.

Prescription rinses may numb or soothe painful mouth sores while the tissue heals. Results vary. Their effects depend on the ingredients and the cause of the sore. A licensed physician in your state decides whether a rinse is appropriate; some sores need dental care or treatment for an infection instead.

Compounded rinses for mouth sores are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and are not FDA-approved. Their ingredients can differ. A licensed physician in your state decides whether one is appropriate. These rinses may offer symptom relief, but they do not guarantee faster healing. Results vary.

Use a prescription rinse for mouth sores exactly as the label and your clinician direct. The amount, timing, and instructions for spitting or swallowing depend on the ingredients. Do not take extra doses or share your rinse. If it numbs your mouth, avoid eating until feeling returns and follow any additional label warnings.

Rinses used for mouth sores can cause burning, irritation, changes in taste, or numbness, depending on their ingredients. Some ingredients may cause drowsiness or interact with other medicines. Share your full medicine list with your clinician. Get emergency help for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

Mouth sores from braces or dentures need attention to the rubbing or poor fit that caused them. Contact your dentist or orthodontist for an adjustment. Dental wax may reduce friction from braces, and gentle oral care may limit irritation. Results vary. Do not cut wires or reshape dentures yourself.

Tell your cancer care team promptly if mouth sores develop during chemotherapy. These sores can affect eating and drinking and may raise concern for infection. Do not start a new rinse without their approval. Supportive care may ease symptoms, but the plan must fit your cancer treatment. Results vary.

Mouth sores need prompt care if you cannot drink, have fever, or have a weakened immune system. Trouble breathing or swallowing saliva needs emergency care. Arrange an in-person exam for a sore lasting more than two weeks, unexplained bleeding, a lump, or sores that keep returning.

A Verra Health telehealth visit can help assess mouth sores, but some sores require an in-person medical or dental exam. A licensed physician in your state reviews your symptoms and decides whether treatment is appropriate. Clear photos and a full health history can help guide that decision; a prescription is not guaranteed.