Mouth sores and cuts are relatively common. You can get a mouth sore from eating something too sour or salty, which can irritate your mouth and mess with the pH of your saliva. You can also cut your mouth on something sharp or by accident.

Should you see a dentist if you have a mouth sore or a cut inside your mouth? It depends on a few factors. Since your mouth has natural bacteria-fighting properties via the saliva that keeps your mouth moist, many of your irritations will heal on their own. However, there are things that your dentist should know about when it comes to mouth injuries. Should you see a dentist for your mouth cuts and sores? Use this guide to help you.

You can't eat or chew 

If your mouth sore is along the gum line or in a tender area of your tongue, you can find it hard to eat or chew. Or, you can have a mouth sore that is getting larger or is in an area where it makes your jaw or throat sore. If you have trouble chewing or eating in general, see your dentist. You should especially see your dentist if your mouth sore or cut has been hanging around for a long time or is getting more sore and irritated rather than getting better.

Your sore is very long-lasting

Many mouth sores heal on their own within a few days. If your mouth sore or cut stays around for longer than this time period, especially if the injury is changing color or turning white, or if you have serious concerns about your mouth, call your dentist. While rare and often not likely, mouth cancers and ulcers can be a concern, and you want your dentist to give your mouth a look to make sure you are not in danger of a more serious injury.

Your sore looks like it's infected

A mouth sore can get infected, which will present itself with redness, a foul taste in the mouth, spreading illness, or a more painful condition. Your mouth sore can become infected and make your teeth and gums infected as well, so check with your dentist if you have a fever or are showing other signs of infection. Your dentist will help you with antibiotics or other treatments to help keep your condition on track. With the right care, your oral health can stay in good condition.