Intro
Mouth ulcers often feel unpredictable. Some heal within days, others linger for weeks, and a few seem to return just as the last one disappears.
Understanding how long mouth ulcers typically last — and what influences healing time — can help you recognize when something is part of a normal pattern and when it may deserve closer attention.
How long do mouth ulcers usually last?
Most simple mouth ulcers heal within 7–14 days without treatment.
This includes common aphthous ulcers that appear on the inside of the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
However, healing time can vary depending on:
- Size and depth of the ulcer
- Location (areas exposed to friction often heal slower)
- Frequency of recurrence
- General health, stress, and immune response
Ulcers that persist beyond two weeks, recur frequently, or worsen over time may indicate an underlying trigger that is worth observing more closely.
Why some ulcers seem to take longer to heal
Delayed healing is often not random. Common contributing factors include:
- Repeated mechanical irritation (cheek biting, sharp teeth, braces)
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate)
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Psychological or physiological stress
- Systemic or inflammatory conditions
Often, it is not a single cause but a combination that creates a pattern over time.
Why tracking duration matters
Many people remember the pain of an ulcer but not its timing.
Without a record, it’s difficult to tell:
- How long ulcers typically last for you
- Whether healing time is shortening or lengthening
- If certain triggers are linked to longer recovery
Tracking onset, peak discomfort, and resolution allows patterns to emerge that memory alone often misses.
Using observation to guide care
A simple observation log can help you:
- Recognise repeated triggers
- Identify changes in healing time
- Prepare clearer information for clinical discussions
Over time, this creates a more accurate picture of your oral health than isolated memories ever could.
If you want a structured way to track this
If you experience recurrent mouth ulcers, a structured diary can support clearer observation over time.
View the Oral Ulcer Diary
→ Designed to help record timing, location, symptoms, and recovery patterns in a simple, consistent way.
Final note
If ulcers are persistent, unusually painful, or accompanied by other symptoms, professional evaluation is always recommended. Tracking patterns does not replace medical care — it helps inform it.