What are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth, often on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips. They usually look like round or oval patches that are white, yellow, or grey, surrounded by inflamed red skin. Most are minor ulcers that heal within 1 to 2 weeks, but they can make eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable.
Mouth ulcers can be triggered by stress, minor injuries (like biting the cheek), braces, certain foods, or viral infections. In some cases, they may recur frequently, which can be linked to conditions such as anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, or inflammatory conditions. While harmless in most cases, persistent or unusually large ulcers may need further investigation.
How can we help?
Through the Common Ailments Service, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and recommend effective soothing gels, mouth rinses, or protective pastes to reduce pain and irritation. We’ll also advise on avoiding trigger foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and using treatments correctly to speed up healing.
For people who experience frequent ulcers, we’ll discuss possible contributing factors and when it may be appropriate to see your GP for further tests. Treatments may be supplied free of charge under the scheme, giving you easy access to relief without needing a doctor’s appointment.
Am I eligible?
If you are currently living in Wales and registered to a Welsh GP, then you are eligible to access the Common Ailments Service.
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