Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 10–14 days. If yours lingers beyond two to three weeks, keeps returning, or looks unusual, it’s time to see a dentist before small problems become big ones.
Warning signs you shouldn’t wait on:
•Ulcer lasting more than 2–3 weeks without clear improvement
•Painless sore or one with hard, raised, or thickened edges
•Unexplained bleeding, rapid growth, or a sore that enlarges slowly
•Red or white patches that don’t rub off around the ulcer
•Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue; persistent hoarseness
•A lump in the mouth or neck, numbness, or loose teeth without injury
•Frequent recurrences, very large ulcers (more than 1 cm), or ulcers with fever, fatigue, or weight loss
Warning signs you shouldn’t wait on:
•Ulcer lasting more than 2–3 weeks without clear improvement
•Painless sore or one with hard, raised, or thickened edges
•Unexplained bleeding, rapid growth, or a sore that enlarges slowly
•Red or white patches that don’t rub off around the ulcer
•Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue; persistent hoarseness
•A lump in the mouth or neck, numbness, or loose teeth without injury
•Frequent recurrences, very large ulcers (more than 1 cm), or ulcers with fever, fatigue, or weight loss
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