Mouth sores, also known as canker sores, are small, painful ulcers that can develop in the mouth. They are caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods. While mouth sores are not typically serious, they can be uncomfortable and interfere with eating and drinking. There are a number of things that can be done to help heal mouth sores, including using over-the-counter medications, rinsing the mouth with salt water, and applying a topical anesthetic.
In some cases, mouth sores may require treatment from a dentist. This is especially true if the sores are large, painful, or do not heal on their own. A dentist can prescribe medication to help heal the sores and may also recommend other treatments, such as laser therapy or surgery.