The cause, if known, should be treated. Gentle, thorough oral hygiene may relieve some of the symptoms. Topical antihistamines, antacids, corticosteroids, or other soothing preparations may be recommended to apply to the mouth ulcer. Avoid hot or spicy foods, which often increase the pain of mouth ulcers. The outcome varies with the causative disorder.
Many mouth ulcers are benign and resolve without specific treatment.
Rarely, chronic mouth ulcers can develop into oral cancer . Call for an appointment with your health care provider if mouth ulcers recur frequently, or if new symptoms develop. It consists of painless whitish streaks on the mucous membranes. Other presentations are possible, and when ulceration occurs the lesions do become painful. This ulcer is seen in an individual with AIDS and is located in front and just below the bottom teeth.