Mouth
Burning or sore mouth
A burning, scalded or sore sensation in the mouth, tongue or lips — which can come from thrush, nutritional deficiencies, dryness or hormonal changes — and which, when a patch or ulcer lasts more than three weeks, needs checking to rule out mouth cancer.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of burning or sore mouth and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is burning or sore mouth?
A burning or sore mouth describes a scalded, raw or tingling sensation affecting the tongue, lips, gums or the whole mouth, sometimes without any visible cause. There are many possible reasons.
- Get urgent help: Seek an urgent dental or doctor check for any mouth ulcer, or a white or red patch, that lasts more than three weeks — this can be a sign of mouth cancer. Seek urgent help for a lump or thickened area in the mouth, on the tongue, or in the neck that does not go away.
- Self-care: For a sore or burning mouth with a known, non-urgent cause, gentle measures can ease the discomfort: sip water regularly to keep the mouth moist, and avoid things that aggravate a sensitive lining such as spicy, acidic or very hot foods, alcohol and smoking.
About burning or sore mouth
A burning or sore mouth describes a scalded, raw or tingling sensation affecting the tongue, lips, gums or the whole mouth, sometimes without any visible cause. There are many possible reasons. A thrush infection coats the mouth with creamy white patches and soreness. Deficiencies in iron or certain vitamins can leave the tongue and mouth sore and inflamed, and a dry mouth, whether from medicines, dehydration or conditions affecting saliva, makes the lining sore and prone to burning. Hormonal changes around the menopause are a recognised trigger for a persistent burning sensation. While most causes are uncomfortable rather than dangerous, one rule is important: any mouth ulcer, or a white or red patch, that does not heal within three weeks should be examined by a dentist or doctor, because a long-lasting sore that will not heal can occasionally be a sign of mouth cancer and needs to be checked.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if burning or sore mouth comes with any of these warning signs:
- Seek an urgent dental or doctor check for any mouth ulcer, or a white or red patch, that lasts more than three weeks — this can be a sign of mouth cancer.
- Seek urgent help for a lump or thickened area in the mouth, on the tongue, or in the neck that does not go away.
- Seek urgent help for difficulty or pain on swallowing, a persistently hoarse voice, or numbness in the mouth lasting weeks.
- Seek urgent help for a severely sore mouth with widespread ulcers, blistering or peeling, especially after starting a new medicine.
- Seek same-day help for a sore mouth with a high fever, inability to swallow fluids, or signs of becoming dehydrated.
When to see a doctor
The most important rule is to have any mouth ulcer or white or red patch that lasts longer than three weeks examined by a dentist or doctor, as a non-healing sore can occasionally signal mouth cancer. Seek same-day help for a severely sore mouth with widespread ulcers or blistering, particularly after a new medicine, or if you cannot swallow fluids. For a sore or burning mouth without these features, a pharmacist can advise, but book a routine appointment if it is persistent, recurrent or unexplained so the cause can be found.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of burning or sore mouth
Burning or sore mouth has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
For a sore or burning mouth with a known, non-urgent cause, gentle measures can ease the discomfort: sip water regularly to keep the mouth moist, and avoid things that aggravate a sensitive lining such as spicy, acidic or very hot foods, alcohol and smoking. Choosing a mild, non-irritating toothpaste and keeping up good but gentle oral hygiene helps, as does sucking ice chips or sugar-free sweets to stimulate saliva if your mouth is dry. A pharmacist can suggest products for a dry mouth or soothing mouth rinses. Keep an eye on any ulcer or patch and note how long it has been present. Importantly, do not dismiss a sore patch or ulcer that lasts more than three weeks — have it checked.
Answers
Burning or sore mouth: frequently asked questions
When should I worry about a mouth ulcer or sore patch?
Any mouth ulcer, or a white or red patch, that does not heal within three weeks should be checked by a dentist or doctor. A long-lasting sore that will not heal can occasionally be a sign of mouth cancer and needs assessment.
Can a burning mouth be linked to the menopause?
Yes. Hormonal changes around the menopause are a recognised cause of a persistent burning sensation in the mouth and tongue, sometimes without any visible abnormality. A clinician can confirm this and rule out other causes.
Could a sore tongue mean I am low in iron or vitamins?
It can. Deficiencies in iron or certain vitamins can leave the tongue smooth, sore and inflamed with a burning feeling, often with tiredness. A simple blood test can check for this if your clinician suspects it.
How can I soothe a sore or burning mouth at home?
Sip water regularly, avoid spicy, acidic, very hot foods, alcohol and smoking, use a mild toothpaste, and keep up gentle oral hygiene. A pharmacist can suggest soothing rinses or dry-mouth products, but have anything lasting over three weeks checked.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Burning mouth syndrome.
- Oral Health Foundation: mouth ulcers and mouth cancer.
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