Mouth ulcer that won't heal

What it can mean

Everyday ulcers (aphthous ulcers) are small, painful and gone within seven to fourteen days. They're triggered by minor trauma, stress, certain foods, or vitamin deficiencies. A sharp tooth edge, a rough filling or an ill-fitting denture can cause an ulcer that keeps returning in the same place until the cause is smoothed.

Any ulcer, lump, white or red patch in the mouth that hasn't healed after three weeks needs to be examined — not because it's likely to be serious, but because on the rare occasion it is, early diagnosis matters enormously. Our routine examinations always include a soft-tissue check for exactly this reason.

How we can help

• Examination of the ulcer and the rest of the mouth
• Smooth any sharp tooth, filling or denture edge that's causing it
• Prompt referral for biopsy if anything looks unusual