Q: Are bumps on the inside of your mouth dangerous? – P. L.
A: The bumps commonly found inside the mouth are canker sores (also called aphthous ulcers).
These can show up on the tongue, cheek and base of the gums. They can be painful and will go away on their own in a week or two.
No one knows what causes these small, painful blisters inside your mouth. But several common triggers are strongly linked to:
Psychological stress can weaken immune defenses and increase inflammation in the mouth.
Low levels of key nutrients can increase risk:
Some people develop sores after eating:
Many women notice more sores during menstrual cycles or pregnancy.
Some research suggests sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) — a foaming agent — may trigger outbreaks in sensitive people.
Canker sores may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the mouth.
Usually, no. Most are isolated and harmless.
However, frequent, severe, or persistent sores can sometimes signal an underlying condition.
In children and teens, recurrent sores may also be linked to periodic fever syndromes or food allergies.
Get medical or dental evaluation if you notice:
These may indicate infection, immune disorders, or gastrointestinal disease.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
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