How to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Treatments & Remedies

Anyone who has ever woken up with a mouth ulcer knows the unwelcome surprise: a tender spot that turns every bite into a careful negotiation. While most of these sores are harmless and vanish on their own, knowing what helps them heal faster—and when a sore needs a doctor’s attention—can save you days of discomfort, and this guide covers fast home remedies, triggers, and how to distinguish harmless from serious.

Typical healing time: 7-14 days · Prevalence: Affects about 1 in 5 people · Maximum duration before checkup: 3 weeks

Four key facts about mouth ulcers, sourced from the UK’s National Health Service and other health authorities.

How Can I Get Rid of a Mouth Ulcer Quickly?

Use salt water rinses

• Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, rinse for 15-30 seconds, and spit. Repeat as often as needed (NHS)

Salt water helps draw out fluids and reduce inflammation. Many dentists recommend this as a first-line home treatment.

Apply honey or coconut oil

• Honey has antimicrobial properties that may speed healing. A 2018 systematic review found that honey significantly reduced ulcer size and pain compared to a control (PubMed)

Dab a small amount of raw honey directly on the ulcer 2-3 times a day. Coconut oil can also soothe the area due to its anti-inflammatory content.

Use over-the-counter mouthwashes

• Topical anesthetics such as benzocaine (Orajel, Anbesol) can numb the pain (Cleveland Clinic)

You can also try a hydrogen peroxide rinse—mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water and rinse twice daily (Cleveland Clinic)

Avoid spicy and acidic foods

• Avoid very spicy, salty, or acidic foods and hot drinks while the ulcer heals (NHS)

Steering clear of citrus, tomatoes, and spicy chips prevents further irritation and gives the sore a chance to heal.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Minor oral injuries

• Accidentally biting your cheek, using a hard toothbrush, or eating sharp foods like crisps can trigger an ulcer (HSE)

Even dental braces or a rough filling can cause repeated friction.

Stress and hormonal changes

• Emotional stress is a well-known trigger for recurrent ulcers, particularly in women during menstrual periods (Cleveland Clinic)

Managing stress through relaxation techniques may reduce outbreak frequency.

Food sensitivities and acidic foods

• Acidic foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and coffee can provoke ulcers in sensitive individuals (Healthline)

Some people also report reactions to chocolate, nuts, or cheese.

Nutritional deficiencies

• Low levels of vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid are associated with recurrent mouth ulcers (Healthline)

A blood test can identify deficiencies that may be corrected with supplements.

How Long Do Mouth Ulcers Last?

Minor ulcers: 7-10 days

• Minor mouth ulcers typically heal within 7-10 days without scarring (NHS)

These are the most common type, small and shallow.

Major ulcers: up to 6 weeks

• Major ulcers are larger, deeper, and can take up to 6 weeks to heal, often leaving a scar (Healthline)

These may require medical treatment with corticosteroid ointments.

When to see a doctor

• If an ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, is unusually large, bleeds, or becomes increasingly painful, seek medical advice (NHS)

The NHS also advises an urgent review if the ulcer changes in appearance or is located near the back of the throat.

Can a Mouth Ulcer Heal in 2 Days?

Small ulcers can heal quickly

• Very small and superficial ulcers can sometimes heal in 2-3 days, especially with prompt home care (Cleveland Clinic)

Early intervention with salt water rinses and dietary adjustments gives the best chance of fast healing.

Factors that speed healing

• Good oral hygiene, avoiding irritants, and using topical protectants can reduce healing time (NHS)

Some people find that applying a protective paste like milk of magnesia several times a day helps (Healthline)

When rapid healing is unlikely

• Larger, deeper ulcers or those with underlying causes (like Crohn’s disease) take longer (Healthline)

If you have recurrent ulcers, addressing nutritional deficiencies or stress may help prevent future episodes.

Is a Mouth Ulcer Harmful?

Most mouth ulcers are benign

• The vast majority of mouth ulcers are painful but non-cancerous and resolve without treatment (NHS)

They are not contagious and do not spread to other parts of the body.

Warning signs of oral cancer

• Oral cancers often present as non-healing ulcers with red or white patches, thickening, lumps, or numbness (NHS)

Unlike common ulcers, cancerous sores tend to be painless initially and don’t heal. The NHS advises immediate checkup if you notice any of these changes.

When to seek medical attention

• See a dentist or GP if: the ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks, is bigger than usual, bleeds, or is different from previous ulcers (NHS)

Also seek help if you have difficulty swallowing or a sore that appears near the back of the throat.

Step-by-Step: How to Heal a Mouth Ulcer Fast

1. Rinse with warm salt water twice daily (NHS)
2. Apply honey directly to the sore 2-3 times a day (PubMed)
3. Use an over-the-counter benzocaine gel for pain relief (Cleveland Clinic)
4. Avoid spicy, acidic, and hot foods until healed (NHS)
5. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce irritation (HSE)
6. Drink cool liquids through a straw to bypass the sore (HSE)

For most people, following these steps for 3-4 days leads to noticeable improvement.

Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear

Expert Advice in Their Own Words

“Mouth ulcers are common and should clear up on their own within a week or 2.”

NHS

“Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and drink cool drinks through a straw.”

HSE

“Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and rinse mouth twice a day.”

Cleveland Clinic

For a comprehensive overview of fast relief options, see this guide on mouth ulcers remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions