Mouth Ulcers and Oral Lesions in Gibraltar
Mouth ulcers, sores and oral lesions are common, but they can be uncomfortable and worrying, especially when they do not heal quickly. At Tafur Dental Clinic in Gibraltar, we can assess painful or persistent lesions and advise whether treatment or further investigation is needed.
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are small painful sores that can appear inside the cheeks, lips, tongue or gums. Many ulcers heal by themselves, but some can be painful enough to affect eating, drinking, speaking or brushing.
They may be linked to irritation, stress, accidental biting, sharp teeth, dental appliances, infections, vitamin deficiencies or other health factors.
What are oral lesions?
An oral lesion is a change in the soft tissues of the mouth. This can include ulcers, red or white patches, swelling, lumps, sores, irritation or areas that feel different from the surrounding tissue.
Most lesions are harmless, but persistent or unusual changes should always be checked by a dentist.
When should you see a dentist?
You should book a dental assessment if a mouth ulcer or lesion lasts more than two weeks, keeps coming back, becomes very painful, bleeds, changes in size or colour, or appears with swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or unexplained discomfort.
A dentist can examine the area, identify possible causes such as trauma, infection or irritation, and advise whether treatment, monitoring or referral is required.
Common symptoms
- Painful sores inside the mouth
- Red, white or irritated patches
- Swelling or tenderness
- Burning sensation when eating or drinking
- Ulcers that return frequently
- Lesions that do not heal
Possible causes
- Accidental biting or trauma
- Sharp tooth edges or broken fillings
- Irritation from braces, dentures or appliances
- Stress or immune response
- Viral, fungal or bacterial infections
- Gum or soft tissue inflammation
Can mouth ulcers be a dental emergency?
A simple mouth ulcer is not always an emergency. However, urgent dental advice may be needed if the pain is severe, the lesion is spreading, there is swelling, there are signs of infection, or the patient is unable to eat, drink or speak comfortably.
If you are in pain or worried about a lesion, you can contact our team or visit our page for emergency dental care in Gibraltar.
How we can help at Tafur Dental Clinic
During your appointment, the dentist will examine the mouth, gums, tongue and soft tissues. If the lesion is caused by a sharp tooth, filling, appliance or denture irritation, we may be able to smooth or adjust the cause. If infection, gum inflammation or another dental problem is suspected, we will explain the next steps clearly.
Persistent lesions may need monitoring or referral for further investigation. The most important thing is not to ignore a sore or patch that does not heal.
Concerned about a mouth ulcer or oral lesion?
Tafur Dental Clinic is located on Main Street in Gibraltar. If you have a painful or persistent mouth ulcer, sore, swelling or oral lesion, contact the clinic and our team will advise you on the next available appointment.