Mouth ulcers are painful, round or oval sores or sore spots that form in your mouth; often on the inside of the cheeks and lips. They can also appear on the floor of your mouth and on the underside of your tongue.

Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable, especially when you eat, drink or brush your teeth, but they are not infectious and you cannot pass them to another person.

You can get mouth ulcers that keep coming back, mainly at times when you’re particularly stressed, anxious or ‘run down’. Some women can also develop them during their monthly period. 

Many things can cause mouth ulcers, but they are usually caused by you damaging your mouth, for example, when you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or brush your teeth too hard. They can also develop because you wear braces  or  dentures.

Your diet can play a part too, and there are certain foods that may increase the likelihood of you getting a mouth ulcer. These include lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes and strawberries.

You can also temporarily develop mouth ulcers when you stop smoking - this is a normal reaction while your body is coping with the chemical changes.

You’ll notice you have developed a mouth ulcer from a painful stinging feeling and soreness that you get somewhere inside your mouth. Most mouth ulcers appear on the inside of the lips, the inside of the cheeks, the floor of the mouth or under surface of the tongue. It's rare to get a mouth ulcer on the roof of your mouth, but they can also appear there too.

If you’re able to see the mouth ulcer, you’ll notice that it is round or oval in shape and that it’s usually red or yellow in colour and swollen around the edge.

Most mouth ulcers will usually heal on their own within a couple of weeks. If they’re painful, however, you can buy medicines without a prescription at your local pharmacy.

There are two products in the  bonjela range  suitable for adults over the age of 16, designed to help you feel more comfortable and help fight infection; bonjela Adult and bonjela Cool Mint Gel.

1. Clean your teeth properly and visit your dentist regularly.
2. If you can tell what’s causing your mouth ulcer, such as a sharp tooth or filling, visit your dentist so that they can repair it.
3. Use a softer toothbrush and try switching to another toothpaste.
4. Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoid 'scratchy foods' such as toast, crisps and nuts.
5. Don’t eat foods that you know can trigger your mouth ulcers.
6. Talk to your GP about any medication that might be causing your mouth ulcers, as you may be able to take an alternative.