Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth — often on the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue.
Overview
Mouth ulcers, or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth — often on the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue. They’re common, with prevalence estimates ranging from 5–25% of the population at any given time (Porter & Scully, 2005). While they usually heal within 1–2 weeks, severe or recurrent cases can significantly affect eating, drinking, and speaking.
Common Misunderstandings
Mouth ulcers are often blamed on trauma (e.g. biting the cheek), but recurrent cases may be linked to immune changes, nutrient deficiencies, gut health issues, or stress. Patients can become frustrated when treatments only numb the pain without addressing triggers.
Microbiome Connection
- Studies suggest differences in the oral microbiome of people with recurrent ulcers, including reduced beneficial Streptococcus salivarius and increased potentially inflammatory bacteria (Shen et al., 2022).
- Gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation have also been proposed as contributing factors, particularly in patients with co-existing inflammatory bowel disease.
- Immune system–microbiome interactions may influence healing and recurrence rates.
Symptoms
Small, round or oval sores
With a white, yellow or grey centre and red border
Pain that worsens with eating
Pain that worsens with eating spicy, salty or acidic food
Swelling or tenderness
Swelling or tenderness in surrounding tissue
In severe cases*
In severe cases, multiple large ulcers or fever
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Mouth Ulcers includes:
Oral Microbiome Test
The Oral Microbiome Test identifies imbalances and pathogens in the oral flora to explain symptoms and guide precise, personalised treatment and prevention.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based/pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut and mouth.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut and mouth without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Recommendations based on the latest science to enhance the effectiveness of the Repair-4™ and maintenance programs prescribed by your doctor.
Suspect you might have Mouth Ulcers?
References
Shen S, et al. Oral microbiome shifts in recurrent aphthous ulcers. Oral Oncol. 2022;124:105607. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105607