What Causes Mouth Sores?

Biting The Tongue, Cheek, Or Lip

An individual may develop mouth sores if they have a habit of biting their cheeks, tongue, or lip. Biting these tissues out of nervousness or habit is a mechanical action that can cause tissues to lacerate and rip from its original location. This tearing of the mucosal tissue leaves an open wound in the mouth that may or may not bleed for a short period. An open wound in the mouth allows particles of food, liquids, and bacteria to enter the deeper tissues and produce inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the immune system responds to the injury that has occurred in the individual's mouth. Inflammation causes the area that has become raw to become swollen, painful, and red. This process can occur with any area of the mouth where an individual bites and tears through enough of the top layer of the mucous membranes. These raw and inflamed areas easily form sores or ulcers in the mouth that may be larger than ulcers caused by other mechanisms.

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