Mouth sores are uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but they typically heal on their own.
When a sore lingers without fully healing, it’s time for a dentist or oral surgeon to give it a second look. These unwelcome lesions might be benign or they can signify underlying health issues.
Learn more about mouth sores, including how long mouth sores should last, what causes mouth sores, when mouth sores should be evaluated, and more.
How Long Do Mouth Sores Last?
Most typical mouth sores heal on their own within one to two weeks. Generally, if a sore persists beyond two weeks, it requires attention from a dentist or oral surgeon.
What Are Mouth Sores Caused By?
There are several types of mouth sores. All the following types have a similar healing timeline:
- Cold sores: a fluid-filled blister caused by the herpes simplex virus; typically occurs on or around the lips and can present in clusters
- Canker sore (aphthous ulcer): a small round or oval ulcer with a gray, white, or yellow center, surrounded by a red border; sometimes appears with no clear cause
- Traumatic ulcers: lesions caused by physical irritation, such as cheek biting or rubbing against a sharp tooth, or from braces, dentures, or dental work
- Irritation sores and burns: sores caused by consuming hot foods or drinks; presents as redness, tenderness, peeling, and/or blistering
- Sores caused by dental appliances: lesions caused by braces, dentures, or other orthodontic appliances rubbing on tissue
Sores related to oral infections can follow a longer healing timeline. These ulcers or blisters are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Length of healing and treatment is based on the type of infection. Examples of sores related to oral infections include: thrush (Oral Candidiasis) and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
What Are Persistent Mouth Lesions?
Persistent mouth lesions are oral sores that do not heal within the expected timeframe.
Persistent mouth lesions may present as white or red patches, and/or as lumps or raised areas. A person may experience numbness in the area and/or discomfort while chewing, drinking, or talking.
Persistent mouth lesions can have many causes, including irritation, infection, effects of medication, nutritional deficiencies, and tobacco use. However, these sores can also be precancerous or cancerous, and warrant further examination and/or a biopsy.
When Should Mouth Sores Be Evaluated?
Anyone with concerns about a mouth lesion should book an appointment with their dentist. It’s best to err on the side of caution and see a professional.
Mouth lesions that meet any of the following criteria should be evaluated:
- Lasting beyond two weeks without healing
- Repeatedly returning in the same area
- Changing in appearance and/or size
- Ongoing pain or discomfort
- Unexplained bleeding
Dentists can provide a diagnosis or refer patients to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.
Seeing a Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon for Mouth Lesions
A patient with mouth lesions will typically see their dentist for an evaluation. Sometimes, an appointment with their dentist alone is sufficient, especially if the cause is common or obvious, such as trauma due to dental appliances.
If the lesion warrants further testing or a biopsy to make a diagnosis, the dentist will refer the patient to an oral surgeon; namely, if the lesion meets any of the above-mentioned criteria.
An unclear diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean something serious. Many mouth lesions can’t be diagnosed based on appearance alone and require a biopsy.
What Happens During an Oral Surgery Evaluation?
Patients referred to an oral surgeon will undergo a thorough examination that considers the lesion itself, together with their medical history and other information.
Individuals seeing an oral surgeon for mouth lesions can expect the following:
- Detailed exam of the lesion, considering size, color, texture, location, borders, surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes
- Medical and dental history review, identifying possible contributing factors such as medical conditions, trauma, or medications
- Possible diagnoses discussion, considering whether the sore is benign or potentially precancerous or cancerous
- Additional testing if needed, such as lab testing, imaging, blood tests, and/or biopsy
- Sources of irritation removed, if possible, such as dental appliance issues like sharp edges, poor-fitting dentures, or a jagged tooth
Follow-up care may be necessary to ensure the lesion is healing properly.
When in Doubt, Have it Checked
Mouth sores can seem common enough to ignore. However, if you have a mouth sore that lingers, or appears to differ from the typical oral lesion, then it’s time to call your dentist.
Having a headstart on your oral health can ensure your mouth sores are treated appropriately and monitored if needed.
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with the oral surgeons at Bend Oral Surgery.