Whenever I have a mouth ulcer, I find myself reminiscing back to the days that my mouth didn’t hurt. Those halcyon times when a cup of tea was comforting, not biting. When a packet of salt and vinegar crisps didn’t feel like a gruelling punishment.

The thing is, it’s not always clear where they came from. Like, yes, of course, if I burn my mouth I do expect an ulcer to form and biting my cheeks can’t lead to anything good but just waking up with an ulcer... Why?

Well, it turns out that the answer is not always simple.

So, what causes mouth ulcers?

Well, according to the NHS, it could be a range of things. I know, sorry. It’s never simple, is it?

The health service states that these could cause ulcers:

• biting the inside of your cheek
• badly fitting dentures, braces, rough fillings or a sharp tooth
• cuts or burns while eating or drinking – for example, hard food or hot drinks
• a food intolerance or allergy
• damaging your gums with a toothbrush or irritating toothpaste
• feeling tired, stressed or anxious
• hormonal changes – such as during pregnancy
• your genes – some families get mouth ulcers more often
• a vitamin deficiency, such as iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B or vitamin D
• medicines – including some NSAIDs, beta blockers or nicorandil
• stopping smoking – people may develop mouth ulcers when they first stop smoking

That’s right, even just being run down with stress or fatigue is enough to give you mouth ulcers. The last thing you need if you’re feeling like that, really. 

However, thankfully, they are preventable.

How to treat mouth ulcers

One of the best healers when it comes to mouth ulcers, according to the NHS, is time. Don’t eat or drink anything that’s too hot, lay off the spicy foods and reduce stress where possible (though of course, that’s easier said than done).

The NHS also recommends doing the following to prevent them coming back:

• use a soft-bristled toothbrush

• drink cool drinks through a straw

• eat softer foods

• get regular dental check-ups

• eat a healthy, balanced diet

Good luck!

Help and support:

• Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
• Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
• CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
• The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
• Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.