Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Home remedies are not substitutes for professional dental care. Tooth pain during pregnancy may indicate serious conditions requiring immediate professional attention. Always consult your dentist and OB/GYN before using any home remedies, especially during pregnancy. If you experience severe pain, swelling, fever, or signs of infection, seek immediate professional care.
Tiny mouth sores are easy to miss or discredit as a pregnancy symptom, but they could reveal that there’s something else happening in your body. Canker sores are a common pregnancy symptom, and usually the result of hormonal shifts. While there’s a good chance you might experience these sores during pregnancy, they’re not a frequent topic of conversation.
In the study, “Oral Manifestations in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review”, researchers found that 14.7% of respondents had aphthous ulcers and/ or candidiasis. Understanding what’s happening and how to care for yourself is vital when you are expecting. Let’s explore why canker sores sometimes appear during pregnancy — and what you can do to help prevent them.
What Are Canker Sores?
A canker sore is a small, shallow, round or oval ulcer with a white or yellow center and a red halo on the soft tissue of the mouth. It appears on the inner lips, cheeks, underside and edges of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and on the soft palate. Other names include aphthous ulcer or recurrent aphthous stomatitis. There are three types of canker sores:
- Minor: <10 mm. Heals in 7 to 14 days without scarring, and are the most common.
- Major: >10 mm or deeper. Can take 2 to 6 weeks and may scar.
- Herpetiform: Clusters of many tiny pinpoint ulcers that can merge.
According to Dr. Herve Sroussi, associate professor of oral medicine at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the majority of canker sores are just sores and should resolve within a few days.
Why Do Canker Sores Happen?
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is not fully understood as yet. There are several factors that make canker sores during pregnancy , and in general, more likely to develop. These factors include:
- Local irritation: If you accidentally bite your cheek or lip, eat rough-textured foods, have orthodontic wires, or brush your teeth too hard.
- Dietary triggers: Some foods can trigger canker sores, including acidic or spicy foods such as citrus, tomatoes, pineapple, nuts, chocolate, and coffee.
- Stress and sleep debt: During pregnancy, changes in your immune system — combined with stress and lack of rest — can make your body more prone to inflammation. That includes inflammation in the mouth, which may make canker sores more likely.
- Hormonal shifts: Pregnancy can change mucosal immunity, which leads to inflammation.
- Nutritional gaps: Nutritional deficiencies are a leading cause of canker sores.
- Oral-care ingredients: Some people react to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in toothpaste.
- Microbiome/immune factors: Microbiome changes such as temporary dysbiosis or overactive local immune responses may trigger canker sores.
- Underlying conditions: Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Behçet’s disease, HIV may cause canker sores — usually when ulcers are severe, frequent, or slow to heal.
What Is the Difference Between a Canker Sore and a Cold Sore?
It’s easy to mistake canker and cold sores for one another, but they’re quite different. This is what you should know to tell them apart:
- Canker sore: A small ulcer in the mouth that’s not caused by a virus and which is not contagious. They can be painful, especially when eating, drinking, or talking.
- Cold sore: A painful, fluid-filled blister on the lip or skin outside the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), which is contagious.
What Is the Effect of Canker Sores on Pregnant Women?
Canker sores are sometimes small and only mildly painful, but they could hinder you from eating and drinking, which could affect your hydration levels and nutrition. Other effects of canker sores may include:
- Pain when you touch the sore or move your mouth to eat, drink, or talk
- Swelling and redness around the ulcer, which could look unsightly and cause irritation
- Difficulty brushing your teeth, which could lead to dental issues
- Temporary mouth fatigue from inflammation when you have multiple sores
Exciting Scientific Discussions About Canker Sores During Pregnancy
Researchers studying canker sores during pregnancy are uncovering fascinating connections between your body’s natural changes and how best to care for yourself safely. As hormones and your immune system shift to support your baby, these changes can sometimes make you more prone to mouth irritation.
Scientists are exploring gentle, pregnancy-safe ways to ease that discomfort while protecting both you and your baby. Here is a closer look at two research areas:
Exploring the Different Effects of Pregnancy Hormones on Sore Frequency
The traditional view is that pregnant women are increasingly susceptible to canker sores due to higher hormone levels. Studies show that estrogen and progesterone increase the likelihood of the mouth’s tissue having sores.
Although it’s easy to assume that pregnancy hormones might make canker sores more likely, the truth is more nuanced. Research on this topic is limited and sometimes conflicting. Some women may notice fewer mouth sores, while others find they appear more often or feel more painful. Every pregnancy is unique, and medical professionals are still learning how hormonal and immune changes affect the mouth’s delicate lining.
Investigating the Dual Role of Nutrition in Sore Development and Recovery
There’s an increased risk that you might develop canker sores when you have low levels of essential nutrients. A drop in nutrition opens up another area of investigation for researchers.
- Finding the root cause: Researchers want to know whether deficiencies in vitamins and minerals act as the causes or contributing factors of mouth sores in pregnant women. Nutrition remains a top priority for you and your baby, and it’s important to maintain a nutrient-rich diet.
- Measuring the impact of pain on the diet: The effects of canker sores can compound as they impact your desire to eat and drink. The difficulty in consuming food can interfere with maintaining good nutritional levels.
- Prioritizing mother and baby safety in selecting treatment options: Treating canker sores during pregnancy requires a gentle, informed approach. Most care focuses on natural comfort measures — like saltwater rinses and avoiding trigger foods — while your body heals. Always check with your doctor or dentist before using any medication or oral product, even over-the-counter ones.
- Balancing effectiveness and risk: Doctors carefully evaluate the safety of treatment methods before making recommendations. Because few medications are proven safe during pregnancy, they must choose options with great care.
- Use caution with medications: Some drugs, such as thalidomide, have been explored for treating severe RAS, but pose serious risks in pregnancy. Always consult your dentist and OB/GYN before trying any home or alternative remedies.
Now that we’ve explored what science says about why canker sores appear during pregnancy, let’s look at what you can safely do to find relief and prevent them from coming back.
How to Relieve and Prevent Canker Sores During Pregnancy
Caring for and preventing canker sores can start with a few home remedies, but it’s best to seek urgent medical attention if the sores persist, or increase in size or number. Consult your obstetrician first if you need medication, even if it’s over-the-counter or medicated mouthwash for canker sores.
Few canker-related medications, including topical applications, are cleared for use during pregnancy. But even small steps can make a big difference. The following gentle approaches can help soothe discomfort and support healing while keeping you and your baby safe:
- Gentle oral care: Your first port of call is always oral hygiene. Keep the area clean and use a soft brush to clean out any loose skin or particles. Avoid scrubbing the sore, as it could remove the scab, which acts as a protective barrier.
- Rinses: Plain saltwater rinses may help soothe the burning sensation, and is a safer canker sore mouthwash during pregnancy.
- Food swaps: Food can act as an irritant to the area, especially spicy or acidic foods, or food with sharp edges, such as hard toast, which can hurt the roof of your mouth while eating. Speak to your dentist or doctor about a nutritional plan.
- Irritant audit: If you’re prone to canker sores during pregnancy, something in your everyday lifestyle might trigger them. Try a non-SLS toothpaste or note personal food triggers and see if the occurrence of the sores decreases. If not, it’s important to bring it to your obstetrician’s attention.
- Nutrient check-in: Canker sores may indicate that your body needs certain nutrients, such as iron, folate, B12, and zinc, through diet or clinician-guided supplements.
- Stress and sleep: Ways to improve your stress levels during pregnancy include personal care, getting plenty of rest, and asking for help when you’re running low on energy. Protect your sleep and try to get a good night’s rest.
- Barrier care: Sugar-free protective gels and pastes can reduce friction, but before you purchase any, ask a dentist or OB-GYN first to ensure it’s safe to use during pregnancy.
Other Oral Issues in Pregnancy
You can expect oral changes during pregnancy, and only some may be canker sores. Nutritional and hormonal fluctuations affect the oral microbiome. Some of the more common oral conditions include:
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Hormonal changes, such as the increases in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to gingival inflammation. The swelling and bleeding indicate pregnancy gingivitis. In many cases, the gums are tender to the touch and feel inflamed. If there’s an overgrowth, known as a pyogenic granuloma, it’s referred to as a pregnancy tumor.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the progression of untreated gingivitis, which leads to gum infection and bone loss around the tooth. Research shows a link between periodontal disease and challenging pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. Hormonal changes influence the likelihood of women developing periodontal disease, and the research recommends that pregnant women seek care from their obstetricians and dentists to lower the risks during pregnancy.
Dental Caries
Dental caries leads to oral bacterial buildup, which can lead to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weights. Research shows that pregnant women are twice as likely to have cavities as those who aren’t pregnant, and as many as 87.2% of pregnant women experience untreated dental decay.
Another study finds a conclusive link between increased levels of hormones — such as progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol — and cavities. The increase of these hormones also results in higher levels of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria associated with cavities.
What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Canker Sores During Pregnancy?
Frequently asked questions about canker sores range from preventative measures to safety concerns.
Is it Normal to Get Mouth Ulcers During Pregnancy?
It can be, and is quite common. Hormonal changes, immune shifts, and added stress can make canker sores more frequent in pregnancy. They’re uncomfortable, but usually harmless.
What Causes Canker Sores While I’m Pregnant?
Common triggers that can cause mouth ulcers during pregnancy include hormonal fluctuations, vitamin deficiencies, stress, acid reflux, and small mouth injuries from eating or brushing.
Can I spread Canker Sores to My Partner or Baby?
No. Canker sores are not infectious, and you can’t spread it by kissing, sharing utensils, or breastfeeding. Cold sores caused by HSV-1 are contagious, but canker sores are not.
Can Canker Sores Affect My Baby?
No. You’ll only find canker sores in and around the mouth, and they don’t affect your baby’s health. However, talk to your provider to avoid dehydration or nutrient loss if pain makes it hard to eat or drink.
How Do I Heal Canker Sores During Pregnancy Naturally?
The best route is to discuss natural treatment options with your dentist or OB-GYN. They may recommend saltwater rinses or pregnancy-safe soothing gels. Always avoid benzocaine and alcohol-based products unless prescribed.
How Long Do Canker Sores Last?
How long mouth ulcers take to heal in pregnancy depends on several factors. Minor canker sores may heal within a few days. See your dentist or OB-GYN if yours persists beyond two weeks.
Is Mouthwash Safe During Pregnancy?
Many alcohol-free, fluoride-free mouthwashes are considered safe in pregnancy, especially those made for sensitive mouths. Always check the label and avoid products with alcohol, fluoride, or harsh antiseptics unless your dentist or OB-GYN recommends them.
Can Morning Sickness or Acid Reflux Cause Canker Sores?
Yes. Repeated acid exposure from vomiting or reflux can irritate oral tissues and contribute to sores or roof-of-mouth pain in pregnancy.
When Should I Worry About a Canker Sore While Pregnant?
If sores last longer than two weeks, keep coming back, or are large and painful, see your healthcare provider. You should always check persistent lesions.
How Can I Prevent Canker Sores When I Get Pregnant?
You can discuss the following treatments and prevention methods with your dentist or OB-GYN:
- Eating a balanced diet with enough iron, folate, B12, and zinc.
- Practicing gentle oral hygiene (soft brush, non-SLS toothpaste).
- Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting adequate rest.
- Keeping up with prenatal dental check-ups.
Small Sores, Big Insight: Protecting Your Oral Health While Pregnant
Pregnancy is a beautiful time. Taking steps to understand how canker sores during pregnancy might affect you and the baby can be so helpful. Because issues in the mouth can sometimes be painless, discussing oral health is often overlooked by physicians and others. Please share this knowledge with your family and friends today!
By sharing pregnancy oral hygiene tips, you empower everyone in your circle to take proactive steps toward a healthier future. You can also find out more in Dr. Charles Reinertsen’s book, Are Your Teeth Making You Sick? If you or someone you know has improved or eliminated a medical issue following dental treatment and achieving a healthy mouth, please share your story. You could help someone else through their experiences!
