Painful Mouth Sore: Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Symptoms of a painful mouth sore

Painful mouth sores are an uncomfortable condition that can make everyday activities such as eating and talking very difficult. Painful mouth sores are often a signal of an underlying infectious or systemic condition that requires medical attention.

Common characteristics of a painful mouth sore

The medical term for a painful mouth sore is “aphthous ulcer.” An ulcer is an oral lesion that is painful and has the following characteristics:

• Red and localized to one area
• Usually round or oval
• Yellowish hue/exudate

See an image of an aphthous ulcer here and here. If the ulcers recur (keep coming back), this condition is referred to as “recurrent aphthous stomatitis,” more commonly known as “canker sores”.

There are also painful mouth lesions known as “cold sores.” These have a different etiology than canker sores but can present very similarly. They usually have the following characteristics:

• Small fluid-like blisters
• Usually localized along the edges of the mouth where the lips meet the skin: Versus inside the mouth as seen with canker sores

Common accompanying symptoms

Since painful mouth sores can have a variety of causes, they can be associated with different accompanying symptoms that include:

• Fever
• Itching
• Redness
• Pigmentation
• Burning or tingling
• Blistering
• Dryness
• Flaking
• Skin sensitivity
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

If you are experiencing painful mouth sores or any of the accompanying symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Causes of painful mouth sore

Painful mouth sores can have a variety of different causes, many of which cause inflammation in some way. Inflammation can occur from systemic diseases or environmental triggers that irritate the mucosal lining of the mouth. There are many different causes, which can most easily be grouped into the following categories:

Inflammatory

The mouth is the body’s first line of protection against different pathogens and toxic substances, and as a result, is susceptible to inflammation from a variety of pathogens and different causes.

• Infectious: There are various bacterial infections that are associated with painful sores that appear in the mouth, especially the soft or hard palate. Furthermore, viral infections often result in an infectious double-hit to the body since they often infect both the structures of the upper respiratory tract such as the nose and sinuses as well as the mouth. Finally, there are certain fungi that have a predilection for infecting warm, damp areas of the body such as the mouth. Painful spots caused by fungi can range from red and patchy to creamy and white.
• Cold sores: Painful skin lesions on the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They are extremely common.
• Oral herpes (herpetic stomatitis): A viral infection of the mouth that causes fever and red and inflamed gums. This typically happens early in childhood.
• Herpangina: A virus usually caused by coxsackievirus A. It causes ulcers and sores inside the mouth, a sore throat, and fever.
• Allergy: Drug reactions can be a serious, life-threatening cause of painful mouth sores that require immediate attention. Many drugs used for conditions such as infections, epilepsy and even mood disorders can trigger painful mucosal and skin reactions.

Dermatologic

Many dermatologic conditions (both primary and secondary) can result in chronic, inflammatory rashes or lesions that prefer the mucosal linings of the body, including the mouth.

• Canker sores: Small, grayish-white sores in the mouth, often on the inside of the cheeks, lips, and on the tongue.
• A mucocele (mucous cyst): This mouth sore that's caused by repeated biting. That leads to leakage of mucous from damaged mucous ducts, creating a cyst.
• Secondary: Mouth sores may be caused by conditions in other organ systems such as inflammatory bowel disease and lupus.

Painful mouth sore treatments and relief

Since the causes of painful mouth sores are so varied, your treatment plan will depend on the specific cause of your symptoms. Depending on the cause, your healthcare provider may suggest:

At-home treatments

The majority of painful mouths sores usually resolve without treatment in a few weeks. There are over-the-counter medications that are targeted to alleviate the pain associated with some painful mouth sores. For example, there are mouth rinses and topical products you can buy and use at home to help treat symptoms.

Here are some OTC options, and insights on when it might be time to consult your doctor:

Mouth Rinses: Look for products containing hydrogen peroxide, which can help reduce inflammation and cleanse the area.

Topical Numbing Agents: Products like oral lidocaine can provide temporary relief from the soreness.

Protective Pastes: These can be applied directly to the sores to prevent irritation from eating and drinking.

When to see a doctor

However, if your symptoms do not resolve with the strategies above within a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor in order to explore the following treatments:

• Antibiotics/Antifungals: If your symptoms are caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, your physician will prescribe medications specific to the pathogen. However, it is important to remember that viruses do not respond to antibiotic treatment and usually only need rest, fluids and other supportive measures.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Steroids and specific anti-inflammatory medications are often used in the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases and primary dermatologic conditions. They are targeted to control inflammation and may help alleviate symptoms.
• Treat the underlying cause: Secondary causes of painful mouth sores due to systemic diseases will only improve with appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. This highlights the importance of following up with your doctor on any symptoms you may experience.
• Cancer therapy: If your painful mouth sore and associated symptoms are due to a benign or malignant cancer, your physician will discuss treatment options including surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Prevention

Since many of the causes of painful mouth sores are infectious or environmental in nature, it is important to protect yourself from pathogens by maintaining proper hygiene such as hand washing and avoiding known triggers. These strategies can go a long way in preventing the incidence of painful sores in the mouth.

• Avoid putting your hands in your mouth: Especially after touching doorknobs or interacting with sick individuals
• Maintain proper nutrition and avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Avoid eating or drinking hot and spicy foods

FAQs about painful mouth sore

Are painful sores in the mouth dangerous or life-threatening?

A painful sore in the mouth can be the first sign of serious skin reactions that can be life-threatening. A painful spot in your mouth may also be a sign of a cancerous process, so never ignore your symptoms. It is always important to follow-up on your symptoms since many of the underlying conditions often require follow-up and treatment.

How long will the painful sore in my mouth last?

The duration of your symptoms will depend on the specific cause. For example, bacterial causes of painful sores in the mouth often go away with the resolution of the underlying bacteria whereas autoimmune causes of painful sores in the mouth may be a lifelong problem.

Are painful sores in the mouth an acute or chronic condition?

There are some cases in which painful mouth sores can be chronic, especially those associated with autoimmune conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, viruses such as herpes can persist within the body and recur in times of physical and emotional stress. Painful mouth sores related to chronic habits such as tobacco and alcohol may also persist and become chronic whereas bacterial infections are more acute.

Can painful sores in my mouth spread to other parts of my body?

Painful sores in the mouth can spread or appear on other parts of the body depending on the cause. For example, infectious causes ranging from bacteria to fungi can cause spots to appear not only in the mouth but also in areas such as the genitalia and under the armpits.

Are canker sores contagious?

No, canker sores are not contagious. However, there is a similar mouth sore that presents similarly, called a cold sore, that is definitely contagious. Make sure to make an appointment with your doctor in order to get the correct diagnosis.

What is the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?

A cold sore is a painful mouth lesion that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is spread through bodily fluids and can be transmitted via kissing, sexual relations and even sharing drinks. These sores usually look like small fluid-filled blisters clumped together that often occur right on the lips or at the border where the lips meet the skin on the face. Canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers) on the other hand are non-contagious lesions usually of inflammatory etiology. They can result from a variety of causes including food and systemic conditions.