Mouth ulcer treatment in Huntingdon.
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores inside the mouth. Most are harmless and clear up by themselves, but we can help with the discomfort, look at what might be triggering them and tell you if anything needs checking.
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that develop inside the mouth, such as on the inner lips and cheeks, tongue or gums. They are usually round or oval, with a white or yellow centre and a red edge.
Most ordinary mouth ulcers are harmless and heal by themselves within 1–2 weeks. They are not usually contagious.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
- One or more painful sores inside the mouth, on the tongue, inner lips, cheeks or gums
- Round or oval sores with a white or yellow centre and a red border
- Stinging or burning, especially when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth
- Discomfort when eating spicy, salty or acidic foods
- Occasionally, swollen or tender skin around the ulcer
- Most mouth ulcers heal within 1–2 weeks — they do not usually cause a fever or make you feel generally unwell
What causes mouth ulcers?
Common causes and triggers include:
Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or lip.
Irritation from braces, dentures, rough teeth or a hard toothbrush.
Stress, tiredness or hormonal changes.
Sensitivity to certain foods, such as spicy or acidic foods.
Some medicines or nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Sometimes, the cause is not clear.
Repeated or severe ulcers can occasionally be linked to an underlying health condition.
How can it be prevented?
These everyday habits can help reduce how often mouth ulcers appear.
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Avoid foods or drinks that trigger irritation.
Consider toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) if ulcers recur.
Ask a dentist to check sharp teeth, rough fillings, braces or poorly fitting dentures.
Eat a balanced diet and try to manage stress.
If ulcers keep returning, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dentist about possible causes.
When should someone seek medical help?
Most mouth ulcers are harmless and settle on their own, but some symptoms need to be checked.
Get urgent medical advice
Seek advice from NHS 111 or a clinician if you:
- Cannot drink enough
- Have signs of dehydration
- Have a weakened immune system and develop concerning symptoms
Call 999 for an emergency
Get emergency help if you:
- Have severe difficulty breathing
- Cannot swallow and are struggling to manage your saliva
See a dentist or GP
Arrange to see a dentist or GP if you:
- Have an ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks
- Have an ulcer that is unusually large, different from previous ulcers, or near the back of your throat
- Have an ulcer that bleeds, becomes increasingly painful or looks red and swollen
- Keep getting ulcers, or also have ulcers elsewhere on your body or painful, swollen joints
Remember: Most mouth ulcers heal within 1–2 weeks. If an ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, get it checked by a dentist or GP.
Read the NHS guide to mouth ulcersCommon questions
Can a pharmacist help with mouth ulcers?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can look at the ulcer, advise on what might be triggering it and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment to ease the discomfort and protect the area while it heals.
How long do mouth ulcers take to heal?
Most ordinary mouth ulcers heal by themselves within 1–2 weeks. If an ulcer lasts longer than 3 weeks, get it checked by a dentist or GP.
Are mouth ulcers contagious?
Most ordinary mouth ulcers are not usually contagious, so you're unlikely to pass one on to someone else.
What can I do for the discomfort?
Your pharmacist can recommend a rinse, gel or spray to cover the ulcer and ease the pain, and it's worth avoiding spicy or acidic foods and drinks until it settles.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.
Other minor ailments we can help with
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.