Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores) In Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Mouth ulcers can occur due to reasons that often self-resolve without medical intervention.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shashwat Jani, MS Dr. Shashwat Jani Dr. Shashwat JaniMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Obstetrics & GynaecologyExperience: 14 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , M.Pharm, PhD Dr. Joyani Das M.Pharm, PhD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma, Health and WellnessExperience: 3.5 years
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Mouth Ulcers In Pregnancy

Image: ShutterStock

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Mouth ulcers or canker sores are common during pregnancy.
  • They may be caused by hormone fluctuations, stress, food sensitivity, hematinic deficit, cigarettes, and chipped teeth.
  • Mouth ulcers usually resolve within one to three weeks.
  • Symptoms of mouth ulcers include red, pink, white, or gray lesions on the tongue, lips, or inner cheeks.
  • Home remedies such as avoiding hot and acidic foods, or rinsing with salt water can be used to treat mouth ulcers during pregnancy.

Are Mouth Ulcers Common In Pregnancy?

Canker sores, mouth ulcers, or aphthous stomatitis in pregnancy are common. You may have a single sore at one time or three to four together. These small water-filled oral lesions are usually found on the mouth’s soft tissue, such as the tongue, inside the lips, and inner cheeks.

Mouth ulcers may cause pain and discomfort, disrupting your daily life by causing discomfort during eating and speaking, but they are harmless during pregnancy. They are usually temporary and go away in one or two weeks. Sometimes, aphthous stomatitis may occur recurrently but does not affect the baby in any way.

Learn about the causes of mouth ulcers in pregnancy, their symptoms, and treatment methods.

Why Do You Get Mouth Ulcers When Pregnant?

The exact causes of mouth ulcers in pregnancy are not known. However, there are different theories (1) (2) (3).

  1. Hormonal changes: Fluctuation of hormones during pregnancy could be one of the reasons for canker sores on your lips, inside the cheeks, or on your tongue.
protip_icon Quick fact
An increase in progesteroneiA female reproductive hormone that plays an important role in menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. levels may trigger the recurrence of ulcers in expectant mothers (6).
  1. Stress or trauma: Physical trauma (toothbrush, tongue bite, etc.) or maternal stress could also cause mouth ulcers. Although there is no specific evidence to prove this theory in the case of pregnant women, they are the common reasons for mouth ulcers.
  1. Food sensitivity: Food allergies (especially with acidic or spicy foods) might be responsible for canker sores in the mouth.
Spicy foods can cause mouth ulcers in pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

  1. HematiniciSubstance for the proper functioning of the blood and prevention of anemia. deficiency: Deficiency of folateiThe vitamin B9 responsible for the formation of red blood cells and healthy cell growth. , iron, and vitamin B12 could also be responsible for developing mouth ulcers. However, taking proper and relevant medications or supplements can help in reducing canker stones. This is a common etiology. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 20% canker sore cases are related to hematinic deficiencies (iron, vitamin B6, folate and B12). However, other deficiencies such as zinc, thiamine, or vitamin D may also be present.

  1. Others: Stress-induced or maternal salivary changes, a weak maternal immune system, tobacco, or broken teeth or dentures could be some other reasons for getting mouth ulcers.

Understanding the symptoms and signs will help you figure out what kind of mouth ulcers you have so that you can treat them accordingly.

Symptoms Of Mouth Ulcers In Pregnancy

Listed here are a few kinds of mouth ulcers with different treatment options.

  • You might get red, pink, white, or gray mouth ulcers on your tongue, inside your cheeks, or your lips.
  • Mouth ulcers usually give you a burning sensation, and sometimes even pain.
  • It becomes difficult to eat and talk when you get mouth ulcers.

Knowing these symptoms can help you recognize the condition early on, allowing for timely intervention and management. You may try some home remedies and other treatments to reduce these sores.

protip_icon Quick fact
Aphthous ulcers may cause appetite loss and pain while chewing or brushing and are not larger than 5mm in diameter (7).

How To Treat Mouth Ulcers In Pregnancy?

If the mouth ulcers are benign, you can try out some home remedies. But when they are frequent or spreading, you should go to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Here are a few home remedies that might help in easing the pain and redness of mouth ulcers.

Home remedies

  1. Try to avoid spicy and acidic foods when you have a mouth ulcer.
  1. Stop the use of tobacco. It is not only unhealthy for pregnancy but also worsens your mouth ulcers (4).
  1. You may rinse with salt water or apply hydrogen peroxide and water mixture (1:1) on the sores. Apply ice cubes on the sores to relieve pain.
Rinse your mouth often

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Use hexadine mouthwash twice or thrice a day for rinsing your mouth and killing bacteria.
  1. Cantaloupe, celery, and carrot juice during pregnancy are known to be helpful. But ask your healthcare provider before you consume these (2).
  1. Drink a lot of water but do not have acidic or fizzy drinks.

Medications

In case your mouth ulcers do not disappear after two weeks, or they are causing discomfort, then consult a doctor.

  1. Your doctor might prescribe different toothpaste or even a gel to apply on the mouth ulcers.
  1. Based on your health, the doctor might suggest certain nutrient-rich foods or supplements.
  1. The doctor might prescribe medications that would help treat your mouth ulcers.
protip_icon Quick tip
A well-balanced diet and a soft bristle toothbrush may help prevent oral ulcers during pregnancy.

How Long Does It Take For Mouth Ulcers To Heal?

Healing takes 1-3 weeks for benign mouth ulcers in pregnancy

Image: Shutterstock

It takes one to three weeks for benign mouth ulcers to heal. And it might take longer, say two to four weeks, for multiple or frequent occurrences of mouth ulcers to go away (5). When you are pregnant, you might want to wait for a couple of weeks for canker sores to disappear. If that doesn’t happen, you can go to the doctor.

How To Prevent Mouth Ulcers During Pregnancy?

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, you should take some precautions during pregnancy to avoid mouth ulcers. Some preventive measures for mouth ulcers include:

  • Practice good oral hygiene
  • Use soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Eat a well-balanced diet enriched with vitamins and minerals
  • Stay hydrated
  • Manage stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques
  • Eat spicy and acidic foods in moderation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can mouth ulcers be a sign of an STD during pregnancy?

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes, can cause mouth ulcers (8). Oral herpes can occur when the herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) is spread to the mouth during oral sex (9). If you are worried about having an STI, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is crucial.

2. Can mouth ulcers be a sign of oral cancer during pregnancy?

Oral cancers may cause mouth ulcers. It is characterized by lumps or ulcers that are pale, dark red, or discolored. It is often associated with other symptoms such as speech difficulty, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, numbness and loosening teeth, and bad breath during pregnancy (10).

3. Can mouth ulcers indicate an autoimmune disorder during pregnancy?

Autoimmune disorders such as Lupus or Behcet disease may cause mouth ulcers (11). It can be promptly diagnosed by conducting a blood test.

4. Can mouth ulcers signify a bacterial or viral infection during pregnancy?

Mouth ulcers can be a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease (4). Other symptoms associated with the disease include fever, headache, loss of appetite, rash and blisters on the extremities, and sore throat (12).

5. When do mouth ulcers start in pregnancy?

According to gynecologist & obstetrician Dr. Nisarg Patel, “Mouth ulcers can develop at any point during pregnancy, but they are more prevalent in the first and third trimesters. This is likely due to hormonal changes and increased stress on the body during these periods.”

Mouth ulcers in pregnancy may be uncomfortable, but they are unlikely to cause complications. They may occur due to hormonal changes, maternal stress, maternal vitamin deficiency, or food sensitivities. You may notice red, pink, or white ulcers on your tongue or cheeks. These ulcers make eating and talking difficult because of the burning sensation and pain. However, they go away in one to three weeks. Optimal maternal nutrition, rinsing your mouth with salt water, and avoiding spicy foods can help quick recovery. If the mouth ulcers take time to heal, you may contact a doctor for medications.

Infographic: How To Treat Mouth Ulcers In Pregnancy?

Mouth ulcers are a common and sometimes uncomfortable problem during pregnancy. These painful sores can make eating and drinking difficult and even interfere with speaking and daily activities. So if you are experiencing this pain, explore the infographic below for tips on treating it effectively.

managing mouth ulcers while pregnant (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team


Canker sores are painful sores in the mouth. Learn about their causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in this video.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Mouth ulcers; NHS
2. D. R. McBride; Management of Aphthous Ulcers; American Academy of Family Physicians (2000)
3. R. S. Rogers; Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis in the Diagnosis of Behcet’s Disease; Yonsei Medical Journal (1997)
4. Mouth sores; Mount Sinai
5. Crispian Scully and Rosemary Shotts; Mouth ulcers and other causes of orofacial soreness and pain; Western Journal of Medicine
6. Hormones and Oral Health; Cleveland Clinic
7. Mouth ulcers; The Victorian Government
8. Mouth ulcers; Mount Sinai
9. Herpes – oral; Mount Sinai
10. Oral cancer; Mount Sinai
11. Canker Sores; Cleveland Clinic
12. Hand-foot-mouth disease; Mount Sinai

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Dr. Shashwat Jani
Dr. Shashwat JaniMS
Dr. Shashwat Jani is a consultant obstetrician & gynecologist in Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad. He has 14 years of experience with a special interest in high-risk pregnancy, infertility, and endoscopy.

Read full bio of Dr. Shashwat Jani
  • Dr. Nisarg Patel
    Dr. Nisarg PatelMBBS, MS Dr. Nisarg Patel is a gynecologist, obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon from Ahmedabad, India, with over 13 years of experience in the field. He did his post graduation in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar, and holds a fellowship of Reproductive Medicine.
    Dr. Nisarg Patel is a gynecologist, obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon from Ahmedabad, India, with over 13 years of experience in the field. He did his post graduation in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmednagar, and holds a fellowship of Reproductive Medicine.
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Dr. Joyani Das
Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD
Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das
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