which doctor treats mouth ulcers

For persistent or recurrent mouth ulcers, a couple of specialists might be worth considering beyond your dentist. An oral surgeon is skilled in managing issues related to the mouth, including ulcers, but generally you might not need to start there. An oral medicine specialist would be more directly focused on diagnosing and managing oral lesions like ulcers. Alternatively, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor can also be helpful, especially if other symptoms suggest that there might be an underlying systemic issue. However, an initial step could actually involve seeing you primary care physician to run some blood tests. Checking for deficiencies such as vitamin B12, folate, or iron could be important since they sometimes contribute to the development of mouth ulcers. If your general practitioner finds these levels are out of balance, they can guide you on how to address it. For practical symptom relief in the meantime, besides saltwater rinses, you might also try over-the-counter topical remedies like an antimicrobial mouthwash or benzocaine gels which can numb the area temporarily and provide some comfort. Avoiding spicy or acidic foods, maintaining good oral hygiene without aggravating the areas, and managing stress can also help reduce the occurrence of ulcers. If the ulcers are particularly large, numerous, or persist beyond two to three weeks, follow up on those specialist referrals for more personalized care plans.