Red flags & when to go in person for Mouth Sores

Audience: adult

Mouth sores are common and often heal on their own, but some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person. Telemedicine can help assess mild mouth sores, provide advice, and suggest treatments. However, if sores are severe, last more than two weeks, or are accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty swallowing, in-person care is important. This guide helps you understand when to use telemedicine and when to seek urgent medical attention for mouth sores.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Mouth sores lasting more than two weeks without improvement – see a healthcare provider in person for evaluation.
• Severe pain causing difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking – seek urgent in-person care.
• High fever, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty breathing or swallowing – go to emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild mouth sores and symptom history.
• Providing advice on home care and over-the-counter treatments.
• Monitoring progress of common mouth sores over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or persistent mouth sores requiring physical examination.
• Symptoms suggesting serious infection or systemic illness.
• Procedures like biopsy or advanced diagnostic testing.

What Are Mouth Sores?

Mouth sores are painful areas that can appear inside your mouth, on your tongue, gums, or lips. They can be caused by minor injuries, infections, or other health conditions. Common types include canker sores and cold sores. Most mouth sores heal within one to two weeks without special treatment.

When to Use Telemedicine for Mouth Sores

Telemedicine can be a good first step if you have mild mouth sores. A healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, show you how to care for the sores, and suggest over-the-counter treatments. Telemedicine is helpful when sores are not severe and you do not have other concerning symptoms.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person right away:

These could signal a more serious condition that needs physical examination and tests.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may recommend home care steps, prescribe medications, or advise you to watch for certain symptoms. Follow their instructions carefully. If your symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly. Keep track of your sores and any changes to report in follow-up visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device camera works to show your mouth sores clearly.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including duration and severity.
• Have a list of any medications or treatments you have tried.
• Note any other symptoms such as fever, pain, or difficulty swallowing.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your mouth sores for changes in size, pain, or healing.
• Watch for red flag symptoms and seek in-person care if they appear.
• Keep a symptom diary to share in follow-up visits if needed.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my mouth sores?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and provide guidance, but it may not always identify the exact cause without a physical exam or tests. If needed, your provider may recommend an in-person visit for further evaluation.

How long do mouth sores usually take to heal?

Most common mouth sores, like canker sores, heal within one to two weeks. If your sores last longer, it is important to seek medical advice.

Are mouth sores contagious?

Some mouth sores, such as cold sores caused by the herpes virus, can be contagious. Others, like canker sores, are not. Your healthcare provider can help determine this based on your symptoms.

What home treatments can help mouth sores?

Rinsing your mouth with salt water, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort. Your provider may suggest specific treatments during your telemedicine visit.

When should I go to the emergency room for mouth sores?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or very high fever with mouth sores.

Sources

1. Mouth Sores — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Oral Mucosal Diseases — National Library of Medicine.
3. Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Mouth Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
5. Oral Ulcers — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person evaluation and care by a qualified healthcare provider. If you experience any red flag symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical attention.