Mouth blisters can be a source of significant discomfort, making everyday activities like eating and speaking challenging. While often harmless and temporary, these common oral lesions can cause pain and irritation. Understanding their types and management approaches can provide relief and promote healing.
Common Types of Mouth Blisters
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common type of mouth blister. They typically appear as small, shallow lesions inside the mouth, often on the tongue, inner cheeks, or lips, with a white or yellowish center and a red border. They are not contagious and often arise due to stress, minor injuries, or food sensitivities.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, result from the herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually HSV-1. These fluid-filled blisters commonly form on or around the lips, though they can also appear on other facial areas like the nose or chin. Cold sores are highly contagious and spread through close contact. Friction or traumatic blisters develop from physical irritation like biting the cheek, rubbing from braces or dentures, or burns from hot food. They typically heal once the irritant is removed.
At-Home Remedies for Relief
Several at-home methods can provide relief and encourage healing.
Rinsing with a warm salt water solution can soothe blisters and promote a cleaner oral environment. Dissolve half to one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish for 15 to 30 seconds. This solution acts as a natural disinfectant and can reduce swelling.
Applying ice to the affected area can reduce pain and inflammation; allowing ice chips to dissolve over the sore may provide numbing relief. Avoid irritating foods like acidic items, spicy dishes, or crunchy snacks. Over-the-counter topical numbing gels, often containing benzocaine or lidocaine, can temporarily alleviate pain when applied directly to the blister. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, is important to prevent secondary infections without irritating the sore.
Professional Treatment Options
While many mouth blisters resolve on their own, professional medical attention is advisable in certain situations.
Consult a healthcare provider if a blister is unusually large, causes severe pain interfering with eating or drinking, or persists for over two weeks. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, fever, or general malaise, also indicate a need for professional assessment. Frequent recurrence might suggest an underlying issue a doctor or dentist can investigate.
For cold sores, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. These inhibit the virus’s ability to multiply, reducing outbreak severity and duration, especially if taken at the first sign of symptoms. For severe canker sores, prescription treatments include mouth rinses or topical gels with corticosteroids like dexamethasone or clobetasol to reduce inflammation and pain. Systemic corticosteroids might be considered for very severe cases, though this is typically a last resort due to potential side effects.
Preventing Recurrent Blisters
Minimizing future mouth blisters involves identifying and avoiding triggers.
For canker sores, managing stress and avoiding trigger foods like acidic, spicy, or rough-textured items can be beneficial. Dietary adjustments, including adequate intake of vitamins like B12, folate, and iron, may also play a role. Maintaining consistent oral hygiene helps keep the mouth healthy and can reduce susceptibility to oral lesions.
Cold sores are triggered by the herpes simplex virus; factors like sunlight exposure, stress, fever, or hormonal changes can reactivate the dormant virus. Protecting lips from sun exposure with SPF 30+ lip balms can help prevent outbreaks. General health practices like sufficient sleep and stress management can support the immune system, potentially reducing the frequency of both canker sores and cold sores.