Mouth sores are common and often follow a minor bite, a burn from hot food, or irritation from a sharp tooth or appliance. Many improve on their own, but a spot that persists, changes, or returns deserves professional attention. An Ottawa dentist can examine the area and decide whether treatment, monitoring, or referral is appropriate.
Common reasons for a mouth sore
Possible causes include accidental biting, friction, aphthous ulcers, infections, dry mouth, immune conditions, and some medicines. Tobacco and alcohol exposure can increase oral-cancer risk, while prolonged sun exposure can affect the lips. A sore cannot be diagnosed safely from appearance alone, and internet photographs are not a substitute for an examination.
What to monitor
Note when you first saw the area and whether it is improving. Pay attention to its location, size, colour, texture, pain, numbness, bleeding, or repeated recurrence. Also mention a neck lump, ongoing sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty chewing or swallowing. A quick photo for your own comparison may help document change, but avoid repeatedly touching or irritating the spot.
Do not scrape, squeeze, burn, or cut a mouth sore. Do not place aspirin directly on the tissue because it can cause a chemical burn. Use gentle oral hygiene, drink water, and choose soft foods while the area is tender. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and foods that clearly irritate the area. Ask a pharmacist before using a medicated rinse or gel, especially if you take other medicines or have health conditions.
The two-week threshold
The Public Health Agency of Canada advises speaking with a health professional if a mouth sore has not healed after two weeks. This threshold does not mean every persistent sore is cancer; it means ongoing tissue changes should not be ignored. Arrange an earlier assessment if the area is worsening, unusually painful, firm, numb, bleeding without explanation, or accompanied by swelling or other concerning symptoms.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to an emergency department for difficulty breathing or swallowing, a severe allergic reaction, rapidly increasing swelling of the face or neck, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant facial injury. Those symptoms require emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine dental visit.
What happens during an assessment?
The dentist may ask when the spot began, whether it has changed, what may be rubbing against it, and about medicines and health history. They will examine the mouth, teeth, tongue, lips, and nearby tissues. A clear source of irritation may be addressed and the area reviewed. If the finding is unexplained or persistent, referral or further testing may be recommended. No diagnosis or outcome can be guaranteed before evaluation.
Monthly self-checks can help
In good light, look at the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, and roof of the mouth. Notice new red or white patches, ulcers, lumps, or persistent changes. Self-checks may help you notice something earlier, but they do not replace regular professional examinations.
Reducing risk
Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, protect the lips from excessive sun, and maintain regular dental care. The Government of Canada offers broader information on reducing cancer risk. If dryness contributes to irritation, read our guide to dry mouth in older adults.
Book an Ottawa dental assessment
Ottawa Smiles Family Dental provides clinical care in English and Arabic, with Spanish care available with Dr. Marisol Seguel as appropriate for the appointment. French front-desk and administrative support is available for scheduling and office information; this does not imply French-language clinical care.
Request an appointment or call 613-520-0222. For urgent symptoms, call the office.
This article is general education and does not replace an individual dental or medical assessment.
ملخص بالعربية
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Resumen en español
Muchas llagas bucales mejoran, pero una lesión que no sana en dos semanas, cambia o sangra debe evaluarse. No raspe ni queme la zona. Ottawa Smiles Family Dental ofrece atención clínica en español con la Dra. Marisol Seguel según corresponda a la cita.
Résumé en français
De nombreuses lésions buccales mineures guérissent, mais une plaie qui persiste pendant deux semaines, change ou saigne devrait être évaluée. Ottawa Smiles Family Dental offre un soutien à l’accueil et administratif en français; cela ne signifie pas que les soins cliniques sont offerts en français.