Yes COVID19 can give you painful mouth ulcers, often called COVID tongue. They show up as redwhite sores or smooth patches on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks, and they can appear during the infection or linger into longCOVID. Below youll find everything you need to know what they look like, why they happen, how long they last, and the safest ways to treat them.
What Are They
Definition and Medical Name
When we talk about COVID mouth ulcers were really describing a group of oral lesions that appear in people infected with SARSCoV2. In the medical literature theyre often labeled COVIDrelated oral lesions or COVIDinduced aphthouslike ulcers. These are not your everyday canker sores; they tend to be larger, may have a whitish coating, and often come with a burning sensation.
How Common Are They?
Recent surveys suggest that roughly 515% of people with COVID19 notice some form of mouth sore during the illness. The numbers vary because not everyone reports mild lesions, but the trend is clear: oral issues are a real, if sometimes overlooked, symptom of the virus.
Visual Guide COVID Tongue Pictures
Seeing is believing. Typical COVIDtongue images show a smooth, reddishwhite surface with tiny depressions that look a bit like a map of the tongue. The lesions can be scattered or clustered, and they often coexist with a loss of taste.
| Feature | COVIDRelated Ulcer | Typical Canker Sore |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Tongue, gums, inner cheeks | Inside lips or cheeks |
| Size | 510mm, sometimes larger | 15mm |
| Accompanying Symptoms | Fever, loss of taste, fatigue | Usually isolated |
| Duration | Days to weeks, may persist in longCOVID | Usually 714 days |
Why They Occur
Direct Viral Effects on Oral Mucosa
Scientists have found that the cells lining our mouth especially the salivary glands carry the ACE2 receptors that SARSCoV2 uses to enter cells. When the virus binds to these receptors, it can directly damage the oral lining, leading to ulcer formation. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Pathology, this direct attack explains why some patients develop lesions early, even before respiratory symptoms appear.
Immune Response & Inflammation
Beyond the virus itself, the bodys immune reaction plays a huge part. A cytokine storm an overproduction of inflammatory molecules can cause the tiny blood vessels in the mouth to leak, creating painful sores. Think of it as a neighborhood fire that spreads to the sidewalks.
Meds, Dehydration & Other Triggers
Many COVID patients receive steroids, antiviral pills, or antibiotics. These medications, while lifesaving, can sometimes upset the balance of oral bacteria. Add dehydration (a common companion of fever) and a neglected oralhygiene routine, and the stage is set for ulcers to appear. Morning dry mouth and persistent dryness can also result from these factors, since COVID-19 and its treatments frequently disrupt saliva production and moisture levels in the mouth.
How Long They Last
Typical Healing Timeline
For most people, COVID mouth ulcers start to fade within 510days. In cases of longCOVID, however, lesions can linger for several weeks or even months. One case series from 2023 reported that about 12% of longCOVID patients still had active ulcers after three months.
Factors That Prolong Healing
Age, weakened immune systems, smoking, and chronic conditions (like diabetes) can all stretch the healing window. If you notice that the sore isnt improving after two weeks, its wise to have a professional look at it.
RedFlag Symptoms
Persistent pain beyond three weeks, spreading redness, swelling that makes it hard to eat, or fever returning are signs you should seek urgent care. These could indicate a secondary infection that needs antibiotics.
Treatment Options
HomeCare Basics
Start with the simplest steps:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water (tsp salt in 8oz of water) three times a day.
- Stay wellhydrated aim for at least 2liters of fluid daily. Herbal teas or diluted fruit juices are fine, just avoid overly acidic drinks.
- Stick to a soft diet: yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs are soothing.
OvertheCounter Relief
Topical anesthetics like benzocaine gels can numb the area for a few hours, making meals less painful. A mild corticosteroid mouthwash (e.g., dexamethasone 0.5mg/5ml) can also calm inflammation when used as directed.
Prescription Treatments
If the ulcer is large or doesnt improve within a week, a dentist or doctor may prescribe:
- Systemic steroids (shortcourse prednisone) to dampen the immune overreaction.
- Antiviral medication if a secondary viral infection (like herpes) is suspected.
- Antibiotics for bacterial superinfection.
StepbyStep: How to Get Rid of COVID Tongue
- Begin saltwater rinses after each meal.
- Apply a benzocaine gel to the ulcer before eating.
- Drink a glass of water every hour while awake.
- If pain persists after 48hours, schedule a telehealth checkup.
- Follow any prescription instructions precisely dont stop steroids abruptly.
Natural & Supportive Remedies
Some people find relief with probiotic mouthwashes (containingLactobacillus) that help rebalance oral flora. VitaminC and zinc supplements can also support tissue repair, but talk to your doctor before adding new supplements.
Prevention Tips
Oral Hygiene During Acute Infection
Brush gently with a softbristled toothbrush twice daily and use an alcoholfree antiseptic rinse (like chlorhexidine) if you can tolerate it. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can worsen lesions. Adopting a good dry mouth prevention strategysuch as staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes, and maintaining oral moisturecan reduce your risk of both ulcers and long-term oral discomfort.
Stay Hydrated & Avoid Irritants
Alcohol, tobacco, and spicy or acidic foods (think citrus and hot sauces) can aggravate ulcer pain. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip frequently.
PostCOVID FollowUp
Even after you feel better, schedule a quick dental checkup within a month. A professional can spot lingering lesions that you might overlook and advise on any lingering taste disturbances.
Real Experiences
Teenagers Tale
Emma, a 16yearold highschooler, contracted COVID in early 2024. Within three days she noticed a rough patch on the middle of her tongue that made eating pizza painful. She started saltwater rinses, drank lots of water, and used a benzocaine gel. Within a week the sore faded, and she was back to cheering at soccer practice.
Elderly Patients Journey
John, 72, experienced a mild COVID case but developed persistent ulcers that lasted six weeks. After a telehealth visit, his doctor prescribed a short course of oral steroids and a probiotic mouthwash. The ulcers cleared, and John reported that his sense of taste returned to normal.
Quick Voices
I thought it was just a canker sore, but it kept coming back. The saltwater trick really helped. Maria, 34.
Staying hydrated was the biggest gamechanger for me. Luis, 45.
Key Takeaways
COVID mouth ulcers are a genuine symptom that can appear during the acute phase of infection or linger as part of longCOVID. They usually heal within a week with good oral care, but persistent sores merit professional attention. By staying hydrated, maintaining gentle oral hygiene, and using simple home remediesplus seeking medical help when neededyou can curb the discomfort and get back to enjoying food and conversation.
Have you experienced mouth ulcers during COVID? Share your story in the comments or reach out if you have questions. Together we can navigate these sore spots and come out stronger.
FAQs
What are COVID mouth ulcers and how are they different from regular canker sores?
COVID mouth ulcers are oral lesions linked to SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. They tend to be larger, may have a whitish coating, and often appear with fever, loss of taste, or other COVID symptoms, unlike typical canker sores which are smaller and isolated.
When do COVID mouth ulcers usually appear during the illness?
They can show up early, sometimes before respiratory signs, but most commonly develop within the first week of COVID‑19 symptoms and may persist into the long‑COVID phase.
How long do COVID mouth ulcers typically last?
For most people they heal in 5‑10 days. In long‑COVID cases they can linger for weeks or months, especially if underlying health issues exist.
What home remedies can help relieve the pain of COVID mouth ulcers?
Gentle salt‑water rinses (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) three times daily, staying well‑hydrated, soft foods, and over‑the‑counter benzocaine gels are effective first‑line measures.
When should I seek professional dental or medical care for COVID mouth ulcers?
Get help if the sore doesn’t improve after two weeks, pain persists beyond three weeks, you notice spreading redness, swelling, fever returns, or you suspect a secondary infection.
