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Mouth ulcers - Symptom

Alternative Names

Oral ulcer; Stomatitis - ulcerative; Ulcer - mouth

Symptoms:

Open sores in the mouth
Pain or discomfort in the mouth

The appearance and exact location of lesions varies with the specific disorder.

Signs and tests:

A health care provider or dentist usually diagnoses the type of mouth ulcer, based on its appearance and location. Blood tests or a biopsy of the ulcer may be needed to confirm the cause.

Oral thrush

Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)

Lichen planus on the oral mucosa

Mouth sores

Reviewed last on: 2/1/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gonsalves WC, Chi AC, Neville BW. Common oral lesions: Part I. Superficial mucosal lesions. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(4):501-507.

Gonsalves WC, Chi AC, Neville BW. Common oral lesions: Part II. Masses and neoplasia. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(4):509-512.

Gonsalves WC, Wrightson AS, Henry RG. Common oral conditions in older persons. Am Fam Physician. 2008;78(7):845-852.

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