What to Do About Ulcers on Your Gums

Oral ulcers—commonly known as canker sores—are small, painful, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums. When they occur on the gingiva, they can cause significant discomfort during eating, speaking, or brushing teeth. These lesions are typically round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red, inflamed border.

Gingival ulcers are usually benign and self-limiting, resolving within 7 to 14 days without treatment. Common triggers include minor trauma (such as aggressive brushing or dental work), nutritional deficiencies (especially in iron, folate, vitamin B12, or zinc), hormonal fluctuations, stress, immune-mediated factors, or hypersensitivity reactions to certain foods or oral care products.

Management focuses on symptom relief and promoting healing. Patients should avoid spicy, acidic, or coarse foods that may irritate the lesion. Over-the-counter topical agents—including benzocaine gels, hydrogen peroxide rinses, or corticosteroid ointments—can reduce pain and inflammation. In recurrent or severe cases, clinicians may prescribe stronger topical corticosteroids or consider systemic evaluation for underlying conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or Behçet’s syndrome.

Persistent ulcers lasting longer than three weeks, those that increase in size, bleed spontaneously, or are accompanied by systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, weight loss, or lymphadenopathy) warrant prompt clinical evaluation to rule out malignancy, infection (e.g., herpes simplex virus or syphilis), or autoimmune disorders.

Preventive strategies include maintaining meticulous oral hygiene, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding known dietary triggers, and addressing any identified nutritional deficiencies through diet or supplementation under medical guidance.