Why do I get mouth ulcers so often?

Most people get the occasional mouth ulcer; getting them constantly means one of a short list of drivers. The NHS splits them into causes you can avoid - biting the inside of your cheek, badly fitting dentures or braces, a sharp tooth or rough filling, hard or hot food, an irritating toothpaste, and feeling tired, stressed or anxious - and triggers you cannot always control, including hormonal changes, family genes, certain medicines (some NSAIDs, beta blockers, and nicorandil), and vitamin deficiencies: iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B, or vitamin D. Recurrent ulcers are the body's polite way of suggesting a blood test. Frequent ulcers are also worth a dental check, because a sharp tooth edge or a brace wire rubbing the same spot will produce an ulcer in the same place every time. Self-care while each one heals: a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding hard, spicy, salty, or acidic food, and pharmacy treatments like protective pastes or antimicrobial rinses. The NHS timeline is your guide: mouth ulcers are common and should clear within a week or two, and one that lasts longer than 3 weeks needs a GP or dentist - non-healing ulcers always get looked at properly. Ulcers arriving with gut symptoms, weight loss, or fevers also deserve a workup, since they occasionally travel with bowel conditions. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you find your driver.