Why do I have a mouth ulcer that will not heal?
Most mouth ulcers are minor aphthous ulcers or trauma from a sharp tooth, a denture edge or an orthodontic bracket, and they settle within ten to fourteen days once the cause is removed. Any ulcer, lump, or white or red patch that persists beyond two weeks needs examination and, if indicated, a biopsy. That threshold is not alarmism — early detection is what makes oral cancer treatable, and the examination itself is quick and painless.
What mouth ulcer or sore usually turns out to be
- Aphthous (recurrent) ulceration
- Trauma from a sharp cusp, denture flange or appliance
- Viral or fungal infection of the mucosa
- Nutritional deficiency, or an underlying systemic condition
- Tobacco, areca nut or alcohol-related mucosal change
- Potentially malignant lesions — leukoplakia, erythroplakia, submucous fibrosis
What to do before you are seen
- Note when it started and whether anything sharp is rubbing the area
- Avoid tobacco and areca nut entirely — they are the dominant risk factors here
- Book an examination if it has lasted more than two weeks
- Do not treat a persistent patch or lump with ointments alone
This is general guidance and does not replace an examination. Only a clinical examination with radiographs can identify which tooth or tissue is causing your symptom.
When to see us
- Swelling that spreads, restricts mouth opening or affects swallowing or breathing
- Numbness, altered sensation, or bleeding that will not stop after surgery
- Jaw locking, an ulcer or lump lasting more than two weeks, or a white or red patch that does not heal
Detailed guides on this symptom
Oral Lichenoid Lesions Linked to Medications or Fillings
An oral lichenoid reaction is an inflammatory condition affecting the mouth's lining, triggered by dental restorations or systemic medications. This evidence-based guide details causes, diagnostic biopsy, restoration replacement, topical therapies, and essential long-term monitoring for mucosal health.
Non-Healing Tongue Ulcers: When to See a Doctor
A non-healing tongue ulcer lasting beyond two to three weeks warrants urgent clinical evaluation. Discover the primary causes, red-flag symptoms, diagnostic biopsy procedures, staging, and evidence-based treatments for persistent oral and tongue lesions.
Diagnosing Oral Leukoplakia with Vital Tissue Biopsy
Oral leukoplakia is a potentially premalignant white patch of the oral mucosa. An oral leukoplakia biopsy provides definitive histopathological diagnosis, grading epithelial dysplasia to guide surgical excision, active surveillance, and cancer prevention strategies.
Punch Biopsy Versus Excisional Biopsy for Mouth Lesions
This clinical guide details the differences between punch and excisional mouth lesion biopsy types, outlining surgical techniques, tissue indications, histopathological diagnostic processes, recovery expectations, postoperative complications, and long-term surveillance protocols for oral mucosal lesions.
Oral Lichen Planus: Common Types, Symptoms, and Triggers
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa driven by T-lymphocytes. Learn to identify oral lichen planus symptoms, distinct clinical subtypes, systemic triggers, diagnostic biopsy procedures, evidence-based topical therapies, and vital malignant transformation monitoring.
Biopsy of an Oral Lesion
An oral biopsy is a simple, essential procedure for diagnosing any suspicious mouth lesion. Expert sampling provides a definitive answer, allowing for the right care at the right time.
Leukoplakia and Red Patches
Leukoplakia and red patches are oral lesions requiring expert evaluation. Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent progression and ensure your long-term oral health and comfort.
Treating Sore Spots and Ulcers Caused by Dentures
Denture sore spots and traumatic mucosal ulcers occur when a prosthesis exerts excessive focal pressure on the oral tissues. Learn the anatomical causes, clinical evaluation, chairside adjustments, professional treatment options, home care, and red flags requiring urgent assessment.
What to Do for a Poking Orthodontic Wire Emergency
A protruding orthodontic wire can cause painful soft tissue ulceration and distress. This clinical guide explains immediate home management, professional orthodontic interventions, mucosal healing, prevention protocols, and the essential signs requiring urgent clinical assessment.
Erosive Lichen Planus on Gums: Long-Term Management
Erosive lichen planus on the gums is a chronic, T-cell-mediated inflammatory condition presenting as painful desquamative gingivitis. This clinical guide covers its pathophysiology, diagnostic biopsy protocols, evidence-based topical therapies, malignant transformation surveillance, and practical long-term maintenance strategies.
Oral Biopsy Procedure for Mouth Lesions and Recovery
An oral biopsy is a definitive minor surgical diagnostic procedure removing tissue from the mouth for histological evaluation. This guide outlines biopsy types, surgical stages, post-operative care, oral biopsy recovery timelines, potential complications, and critical clinical red flags.
White Patches in Mouth: Leukoplakia Causes and Risks
Leukoplakia is an oral potentially malignant disorder characterised by persistent white patches that cannot be scraped off. Learn about its aetiology, tobacco and areca nut risks, diagnostic biopsy procedures, dysplasia grading, surgical management, and crucial red flag symptoms.