What Causes Recurrent Mouth Ulcers?

Posted on Wed, 6 Dec 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 6 Dec 2017 Answered on

Wed, 9 May 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 63 years old. and have mouth ulcers. I have had them off an on since childhood. I have been told that they are viral, stress can cause them, hormones can cause them, and certain foods. Since they are considered viral, doctors will say let them run their course and I use silver nitrate and magic mouthwash. I have been told by some friends that there are antibiotics that you can take. I would just like a straight answer

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There are no antibiotics for this!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have reviewed your question fully. Oral sores are not caused by bacterial and antibiotics are really not needed for their treatment. Relieving measures to address pain and step up oral hygiene to prevent further infection is what is truly required. Antibiotics will not change the course of this infection and treatment outcome.

I hope this helps and guides. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar