Why That Mouth Ulcer Isn’t Healing
If you’re wondering about your mouth ulcers not healing in a day or two, then you should not be worried about it. But if the ulcer lasts more than days (max 14 days), is painful, and any painkiller is not helping then it’s time to check with your doctor.
We usually deal with patients who delay too long as they believe that the sore will heal in due course. Most of the mouth ulcers are harmless but the one that is not resolving itself occasionally is an early indication of other serious things such as oral cancer.
This blog will help you understand the difference between a normal mouth ulcer and oral cancer. What symptoms need urgent assessment, best treatment for mouth ulcers, and how our private GP clinic supports fast diagnosis and peace of mind.
Mouth Ulcer
A mouth ulcer is a tiny tear in the mouth, lips or gums lining. It appears after accidental biting of cheeks, braces irritation, stress, hormonal fluctuations or even nutritional deficiencies like low B12, folate or iron. These ulcers are painful, raw and can cause discomfort when eating, though they normally settle within two weeks.
A non-healing ulcer can be caused by something ongoing, a sharp tooth, repeated friction, inflammation or immune-related issues. Sometimes, a nutritional deficiency slows healing, which is why we commonly investigate B12, folate and iron levels at our clinic. You have to do the annual health check to identify what’s lacking in your health.
Are Mouth Ulcers Serious?
Typical ulcers are painful, round, and improve steadily. On the contrary, early signs of mouth cancer can be subtle. A painless ulcer, a hard edge or raised border, a rounded bump in the mouth or neck, red, white patches that do not clear are some of the conditions that you may come across.
Is Metallic Taste a Serious Sign?
A metallic taste in particular can worry people. While it doesn’t automatically mean cancer, it can occur in head and neck cancers or after chemotherapy. It may also appear due to infection or inflammation. If it’s happening alongside a non-healing ulcer, it’s a signal to get checked.
When to treat
If you experience any of the following, book a GP appointment urgently:
- An ulcer that hasn’t healed after three weeks
- A sore that’s getting larger
- A persistent metallic taste
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- A lump in the neck
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in the way your mouth or jaw moves
How Mouth Ulcers Are Treated
Most ulcers settle with simple, targeted care. Topical gels calm inflammation, while gentle antiseptic rinses help reduce irritation. If deficiencies are involved, correcting B12, folate or iron can dramatically reduce recurrence. Some dental or oral medicine specialists use laser therapy for stubborn ulcers.
Topical gels are used to reduce the inflammation, and the antiseptic rinses are done gently to reduce the irritation. In case of deficiencies, it is possible to reduce recurrence significantly by correcting the B12, folate or iron. There are dental or oral medicine experts who employ the use of lasers to treat intractable ulcers.
When you are looking to get the best treatment for mouth ulcers, it all depends on what causes them and it is hence the reason why proper assessment is important.
How Premier Private GP Can Help
At our private GP clinic in Bagshot, Surrey, we provide same-day assessment of persistent mouth ulcers. We check nutritional levels, identify underlying infections, and examine the ulcer closely. If there’s anything concerning, we can arrange fast-track referrals to ENT or oral medicine specialists.
Stress appears to be a trigger and this is more common than people realise. We also guide patients toward better stress management.
When a Non-Healing Ulcer Signals a Deeper Health Issue
If a mouth ulcer is taking longer than usual to heal, it may be a sign that something deeper is affecting your health. Speaking with a private GP can help identify whether the delay is due to infection, nutritional deficiencies, or an underlying medical condition. Sometimes a persistent ulcer is linked to issues such as low iron, B12 deficiency, or immune changes, all of which can be assessed through simple blood tests.
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or frequent recurrent ulcers should also be reviewed, as these can indicate that your body needs additional support. A private GP can arrange investigations quickly and offer clear explanations, ensuring nothing important is overlooked. By understanding what is preventing the ulcer from healing properly, you can receive targeted treatment and avoid ongoing discomfort. Early assessment brings reassurance and helps protect your wider health.
Can I Prevent Recurrent Mouth Ulcers?
Simple habits can make a big difference. To inhibit irritation, it is best to drink plenty of water, take care of the mouth and eat foods that are not so spicy or acidic. Diet also plays a role. High-sugar diets may increase inflammation.
Traumatic injuries to the mouth can also be avoided by replacing old toothbrushes and treating teeth-grinding problems or other dental problems.
Replacing old toothbrushes and addressing teeth-grinding or dental issues can also prevent repeated trauma to the mouth.
FAQs
What causes mouth ulcers?
Stress, minor injuries, nutritional deficiencies and certain foods are the most common causes. Persistent ulcers may indicate infection or early cancer signs.
How do I get rid of mouth ulcers quickly?
Topical gels, saltwater rinses and reducing irritation help them settle faster. If an ulcer hasn’t healed in two weeks, a GP should review it.
What cancers cause a metallic taste in the mouth?
Head and neck cancers can sometimes cause a persistent metallic taste due to nerve or tissue changes. If the taste is ongoing, especially with a non-healing ulcer, it needs checking.
Book a Private GP Assessment
Most mouth ulcers are harmless, but when they linger, you deserve clarity, not anxiety.
At Premier Private GP, we provide fast appointments, careful examination and immediate next steps where needed. Whether it’s reassurance, treatment or a specialist referral, you’ll leave knowing exactly what’s going on.
Book your private GP consultation today.
