Mouth ulcer gel: what the types do
Most common mouth ulcers heal by themselves within a week or two. A gel does not speed that up much, but it can make eating and talking more comfortable meanwhile. Gels are sold by ingredient, so read the label rather than going by the brand on the pack.
| Type of gel | What it does | Ask a pharmacist or doctor first if |
|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthetic (for example lidocaine or benzocaine) | Numbs the sore for a short time. | The person is a young child, pregnant or breastfeeding, or has had a reaction to a local anaesthetic. |
| Choline salicylate | Eases pain and soreness. | The person is under 16: it is not for children under 16. Also ask if you have stomach ulcers, asthma, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. |
| Protective or barrier gel | Forms a thin film over the ulcer so food and drink rub less. | The ulcer is large, deep or not improving. |
| Antiseptic gel | Keeps the area clean, which may help if rubbing or biting has made the sore irritated. | The person is a child, pregnant, or has a known allergy to an ingredient. |
General information on widely available over-the-counter gels, not a prescription. Follow the label of your pack, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
How to use mouth ulcer gel
Wash your hands, dry the ulcer gently with a clean tissue, and apply a small amount with a clean finger or cotton bud, as directed on the label. The gel stays on better if you apply it after eating and before bed, and do not eat or drink for a short while after. Do not use more often than the label allows.
A gel can sting for a moment. If it causes burning, a rash, swelling of the lips or face or any reaction, stop using it and speak to a doctor. Swelling of the face or tongue with difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency and needs a hospital.
Mouth ulcer gels are not for use on large areas, and if gum or tongue ulcers are widespread, a pharmacist or doctor should look. For more on common causes and what else may help, see our guides on aphthous mouth ulcers and mouth ulcer home remedies.
Mouth ulcer gel for children and adults
Many gels are made for adults, and some are not suitable for children. Choline salicylate gels are not for children under 16. Local anaesthetic gels need particular care in small children, because a child may swallow the gel or numb the mouth so much that they bite their tongue or cheek. A pharmacist or doctor should advise before using any gel in a child, and a baby with mouth sores should be seen by a doctor.
Adults who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking regular medicines should also ask a pharmacist first. A dentist or doctor may prescribe a steroid mouth preparation for severe or repeated ulcers. That is a prescription decision and not something to start on your own.
When a mouth ulcer needs checking
A gel is only for ordinary short-lived ulcers. See a dentist or doctor if an ulcer has not healed in about two to three weeks, keeps coming back, is unusually large or painful, or comes with fever, a rash or other illness. An ulcer that does not heal needs examination to find the cause, however small it looks. Our guide on seeing a doctor for mouth ulcers explains what to expect. The mouth ulcers page covers causes in general.
Common questions
Can I use mouth ulcer gel every day?
Use it only as directed on the label and for a few days while the ulcer is sore. If you need it for longer than that, the ulcer should be looked at by a dentist or doctor.
Is mouth ulcer gel safe for children?
Some are, and some are not. Choline salicylate gels are not for children under 16, and local anaesthetic gels need care. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before using a gel on a child.
Does mouth ulcer gel heal the ulcer?
Not directly. Most gels relieve pain or protect the area while the body heals the ulcer, which normally takes a week or two.
Is mouth ulcer cream different from gel?
People use the words interchangeably, but products for the mouth are mostly gels, as they stick better to wet surfaces. Check the ingredient on the pack and follow the label.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.