Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • A mouth ulcer is the loss or erosion of the delicate lining tissue of the mouth (mucous membrane).
  • The most common cause is injury, such as accidentally biting the inside of your cheek.
  • In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves in 10 to 14 days without the need for treatment.
  • Aphthous ulcers are recurring ulcers with no known cause that affect around 20 per cent of the population.
  • If your mouth ulcers don’t clear up after 14 days, or if you get them frequently, see your dentist or doctor.

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Reviewed on: 16-08-2023