Can you see a dentist if you have a mouth ulcer?

When oral ulcers are mild, it is generally safe to proceed with routine dental treatments. However, if the ulcers are severe, extremely painful, or in an acute phase, non-urgent dental procedures should be postponed. If you experience any discomfort or systemic symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow your doctor's advice for treatment.

If the oral ulcer is small, causes only mild pain, and results in only slight local burning that does not affect mouth opening or dental procedures, routine treatments such as teeth cleaning or fillings can proceed normally. However, you should inform your dentist about the presence of ulcers before treatment. The dentist will then avoid the ulcerated areas as much as possible during the procedure to minimize irritation and prevent worsening of pain.

If oral ulcers are severe—such as large in size, numerous, causing intense pain leading to difficulty opening the mouth, or accompanied by fever and signs of infection like redness and swelling—procedures such as teeth cleaning, tooth extraction, or root canal treatment should be delayed. These dental interventions may directly irritate or rub against the ulcerated tissue, exacerbating pain and potentially spreading infection, thereby impairing healing.

In addition, if there is a dental emergency—such as severe tooth pain or trauma causing tooth loosening—prompt dental care is necessary even if oral ulcers are present. In such cases, the dentist will assess the situation, prioritize managing the urgent dental issue, and take protective measures to safeguard the ulcerated areas.