What Is Mouth Ulcer Gel and How Is It Used? – A Dentist's Guide 

Did you ever have that little sore mouth where eating or even speaking is a painful ordeal? 

That is probably a canker sore, or a mouth ulcer. It might be tiny, but it can cause considerable agony. And if you are a dentist, you hear about this on a daily basis from your patients. 

But fear not, as there is a simple solution to alleviating the pain and hastening healing mouth ulcer gels. But what are they? How do they function? And which do you recommend or use? 

It makes it simple for dentists and inquiring patients. 

What Is a Mouth Ulcer? 

A mouth ulcer is a small, oval, or round sore that shows up on the soft tissues inside your mouth such as the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, or even the roof of your mouth. 

They're typically: - 

• Red or Pink in the middle 
• Inflamed and red around the edges 
• Not contagious (in contrast to cold sores) 
• Painful to eat spicy or acidic foods 

Mouth ulcers heal in 3 to 14 days, depending on the severity and type of mouth ulcer. 

Causes of Mouth Ulcers 

There are several reasons why it might occur: 

Small trauma (accidental biting your cheek or over-brushing) 

• Stress/anxiety 
• Inadequate levels of certain nutrients (e.g., folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12) 
• Food intolerance (e.g., citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee) 
• Hormonal changes 
• Underlying disease (e.g., celiac disease or Crohn's) 
• Some medicines or drugs (such as chemotherapy) 

Sometimes it's unknown and harmless but the pain is real! 

What Is a Mouth Ulcer Gel? 

 Mouth ulcer gel is a medication gel that's applied directly to the sore to help ease the pain. It can be bought over-the-counter in small tubes. 

They all share a few things in common: 

• Anesthetize the area to prevent the pain 
• Create a shield over the ulcer 
• Speed healing by sealing in comforting or antibacterial ingredients 
• Shield against secondary infection 

More targeted and faster acting than home remedies. 

How Does a Mouth Ulcer Gel Work? 

Here's the step-by-step rundown: 

1. Pain Relief 

Gels typically contain a local anesthetic like benzocaine or lidocaine. These medications deaden pain signals from the ulcer to the brain, giving instant (though short-term) pain relief. 

This makes patients pain-free while eating, speaking, and brushing. 

2. Protective Barrier 

Some gels (especially bio adhesive ones) form a thin film or coating over the ulcer. This: 

• Protects the sore from food, bacteria, and saliva 
• Reduces irritation 
• Preserves active ingredients 

It's like wearing a small "bandage" for your mouth! 

3. Healing Support 

Some ingredients aid in healing by minimizing inflammation or improving tissue repair. These can be: 

• Choline salicylate (anti-inflammatory) 
• Hyaluronic acid (aid to tissue regeneration) 
• Antiseptics like chlorhexidine to prevent infection 

All of them collectively favor faster healing and less pain. 

Common Ingredients Used in Mouth Ulcer Gels 

Ingredient	Purpose
Benzocaine / Lidocaine	Numbs painful sore for pain relief
Choline Salicylate	Relieves inflammation and swelling
Cetalkonium Chloride	Soothing antiseptic to prevent infection
Chlorhexidine	Antibacterial to disinfect the area
Hyaluronic Acid	Healing and restoring moisture
Liquorice Extract	Soothing remedy (anti-inflammatory)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Applying a Mouth Ulcer Gel 

1. Wash your hands properly. 
2. Dry the area of the ulcer using a clean gauze or tissue (if available). 
3. Squeeze out a pea-sized or smaller gel amount onto a clean finger or cotton bud. 
4. Apply directly onto the sore, spreading with gentle pressure to cover evenly. 
5. Do not rinse, eat, or drink for 20–30 minutes to give the gel time to work. 

Repeat 2–3 times a day, or as advised by a healthcare professional. 

When Do You Recommend Mouth Ulcer Gel? 

As a dentist, mouth ulcer gels are the best first-line treatment if your patient presents with: 

• A single small painful ulcer 
• No history of recent dental or systemic illness 
• No history of recent trauma or dental treatment that led to it 

They are especially helpful if the patient complains of pain on eating, speaking, or brushing. 

If ulcers are: 

• Recurring 
• Widespread and large 
• More than 2 weeks old 
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes associated with 

So you can search for underlying causes or consult a specialist. 

Popular Mouth Ulcer Gels available in India 

Some good brands that you can get at any dental store or recommend: 

• Dologel 
• Hexigel 
• Mucopain 
• Zytee RB Gel 
• Oralgel 
• Smilex Gel 
• Orajel 

These are all available at top online dental retailers such as Dentalkart, which offer genuine, affordable dental products to patients and professionals alike. 

Benefits of a Mouth Ulcer Gel 

• Provides instant pain relief  
• Easy to apply 
• Increases healing rate  
• Lowers risk of infection 
• Improves quality of life in healing 

Are There Side Effects? 

Most people have no grievance about ulcer gels. Some patients might have, though: 

• Transient numbness 
• Bitter taste 
• Mild burning sensation at the site of application 
• Allergic reaction (rare) 

Always instruct patients to read the label and not swallow large quantities. 

Precautions for Patients to Avoid Mouth Ulcers 

As a dentist, adherence to the following pointers can be a lifesaver: 

• Brush with a soft toothbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush 
• Avoid too-spicy, too-acidic, or too-crunchy foods 
• Minimize stress using stress management devices 
• Consume proper vitamin and mineral consumption 
• Follow good oral hygiene 
• Avoid biting the inside of the lips and cheeks 

And if ulcers do occur — they now know what to do! 

Final Thoughts 

Mouth ulcers are common, but they are infuriating to patients. As a dentist, the proper mouth ulcer gel advice can bring quick relief, assist in the avoidance of complications, and show you truly care about their everyday comfort.  

The next time your patient says to you, "It's only a wee little sore, but it's bothering the life out of me," — you'll have just the right to give. 

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