Women seem to get mouth ulcers more often than men, most commonly during pregnancy or just before a period. If you have a family history of ulcers, you're also more prone to getting them. Sometimes eating very hot food or taking very hot drinks can damage the protective lining of the mouth, also leading to mouth ulcers. A side effect of some medicines is that they dry up saliva in the mouth and this can lead to a mouth ulcer forming. Anyone who has a mouth ulcer who is also taking prescription or other medicines should tell their doctor or pharmacist.
Pharmacists can also advise people about different medicines that can cause mouth ulcers.
Treatment for mouth ulcers includes liquid paints, mouth rinses and gels and pastes. Most of these medicines reduce the pain caused by a mouth ulcer. A special paste only available on a pharmacist's recommendation, forms a protective barrier over the ulcer and also speeds up its healing. Self Care pharmacists can talk to people about the best treatment for mouth ulcers. If you suffer from frequent mouth ulcers that take more than a week to heal it could be a sign of something more serious.