We’re Accepting New Patients!

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Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

Mouth ulcers concerns

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth, usually on the soft tissue - cheeks, lips or tongue. They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen.

Although they're uncomfortable, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and clear up by themselves within a week or two.

In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear, but triggers are thought to include:

  • Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth
  • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Hard food
  • A defective filling
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Hormonal changes – some women develop mouth ulcers during their monthly period
  • Eating certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour
  • Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
  • Stopping smoking – when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers
  • Viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease
  • Medical conditions - including vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, reactive arthritis, HIV, lupus, Behçet’s disease
  • Certain medications or medical treatments may also cause mouth ulcers

It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home to help reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.

Self care

Tips for easing discomfort and aid healing…

  • Antimicrobial mouthwash or protective paste, available from your pharmacist
  • Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
  • Use a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating
  • Avoid hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals
  • Use a straw to drink cool drinks
  • Avoid things that may be triggering your mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can sometimes be a possible symptom of a more serious problem such as infection or mouth cancer. It's therefore essential that you contact Hadleigh Dental Surgery as soon as possible if you notice:

  • Your mouth ulcer has lasted three or more weeks
  • You keep getting mouth ulcers
  • Your mouth ulcer becomes more painful or red
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Hadleigh Dental Surgery. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

716 Reviews

5.0

28th March 2025

It was lovely to see an existing member of staff on reception as I hadn’t been for many years but she soon put me at ease and made me welcome.The dentist and dental nurse soon reassured me as I said I was a nervous patient but every thing he did was explained to me thoroughly and I had the opportunity to say if I was happy with the treatment plan.

28th March 2025

Everyone was polite , friendly in all departments. The place is clean and welcoming. Everything was explained and easily understood. Very satisfied.

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