Some Causes of Mouth Sores
Category | Examples |
|---|---|
Bacterial infections | Trench mouth (acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis) |
Fungal infections | Candidal infections (most common) |
Chickenpox (varicella zoster) Herpes simplex infection (primary or secondary) Shingles (reactivation of varicella zoster)* Others (such as infection by coxsackievirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, or HIV, as well as genital warts, influenza, and measles) | |
Systemic disorders | Bullous pemphigoid or pemphigus vulgaris Cyclic neutropenia* Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura* Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) |
Medications | Gold* Iodides* |
Physical irritation | Cheek-biting or lip-biting habits Dentures that fit poorly Jagged or broken teeth |
Irritants and allergies | Acidic foods Allergic reaction to ingredients in toothpaste, mouthwash, candy, gum, dyes, or lipstick Dental appliances containing nickel or palladium Occupational exposure to dyes, heavy metals, acid fumes, or metal or mineral dust Tobacco (chewing and/or smoking) |
Other | Canker sores (recurrent aphthous stomatitis) Radiation therapy to the head and neck |
* Rare causes of mouth sores. | |