Guide
Mouth ulcers — topical remedies
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores on the lining of the mouth and gums that usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. The cause is not always clear — it is sometimes linked to injury, stress, certain foods or deficiencies. Below we describe the commonly used over-the-counter products for relief; choose an ingredient to see available products and prices. For large, frequent or non-healing sores, consult a doctor or dentist.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Which remedies help
Over-the-counter mouth-ulcer remedies are mainly gels, mouth rinses and sprays. Some contain a local anaesthetic (e.g. lidocaine or benzydamine) to ease the pain, while antiseptic rinses (e.g. with chlorhexidine) keep the area clean and reduce the risk of secondary infection. Read the leaflet for how and how often to use them.
Care and relief
It helps to avoid irritating, acidic, salty, spicy and hard foods, to keep gentle oral hygiene and to drink enough fluids. Topical products can form a protective layer or ease pain when eating and speaking. Do not scratch or touch the sores unnecessarily.
Possible causes
Mouth ulcers can be triggered by mechanical injury (e.g. from biting or a toothbrush), stress, hormonal changes, some foods or deficiencies (e.g. of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid). Frequent or severe ulcers are sometimes linked to general conditions, so persistent cases deserve a medical assessment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or dentist for sores larger than about 1 cm that do not heal within 2-3 weeks, very frequent or numerous ulcers, severe pain, difficulty eating, fever, or if you have other symptoms too. A non-healing sore in the mouth should always be examined.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do mouth ulcers heal?
Small ulcers usually heal on their own in about 1-2 weeks without leaving a scar. Topical products do not significantly speed up healing but ease the pain and help with eating. If a sore does not heal within 2-3 weeks, it is good to get it examined.
What relieves the pain of an ulcer?
Topical gels or sprays with an anaesthetic (e.g. lidocaine, benzydamine), antiseptic mouth rinses and avoiding irritating foods help. The choice depends on the location and pain — ask a pharmacist which product is suitable, especially for children.
Are mouth ulcers contagious?
Ordinary mouth ulcers are not contagious — they are not caused by a virus that spreads to other people (unlike cold sores). But if you are unsure what the sore is, or it is atypical, it is good to consult a doctor or dentist.
Why do I get frequent mouth ulcers?
Frequent ulcers can be linked to injury, stress, some foods, hormonal changes or deficiencies (e.g. iron, vitamin B12, folic acid), and sometimes to general conditions. If ulcers are frequent or severe, a doctor can look for a cause and suggest an approach.
When is an ulcer concerning?
Concerning is a sore larger than about 1 cm that does not heal within 2-3 weeks, is very painful, or comes with fever and other symptoms. Any non-healing sore in the mouth should be examined by a doctor or dentist rather than only self-treated.