Oral lesions are changes in the soft tissues of the mouth—including the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and palate that appear as sores, patches, bumps or ulcers. While many are harmless and resolve on their own, some may signal infection, trauma or more serious health conditions that require expert evaluation.

Common Types of Oral Lesions

•    Canker sores (aphthous ulcers): Small, painful ulcers inside the mouth
•    Cold sores (herpes simplex virus): Fluid-filled blisters, often around the lips
•    Leukoplakia: White patches from chronic irritation, such as tobacco use. These lesions can be precancerous.
•    Lichen planus: An inflammatory condition with white or red patches
•    Candidiasis (oral thrush): A fungal infection causing white, creamy lesions
•    Traumatic ulcers: Caused by biting, dental appliances or burns

When to Seek Care

Schedule an evaluation if you experience:
•    Lesions lasting longer than two weeks
•    Persistent pain, burning or difficulty eating or speaking
•    White, red or mixed-color patches that don’t heal
•    Recurrent sores or unexplained bleeding
•    Hard lumps or thickened areas in the mouth

Early evaluation helps prevent complications and may identify precancerous or serious conditions. When you come in to clinic, we will often perform a biopsy to determine what type of lesion you have.