Singaw (mouth sores) symptoms and treatment

Sintomas at gamot sa singaw

Singaw (mouth ulcers or canker sores) are small, painful sores inside the mouth that usually heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment focuses on easing the pain and helping them heal, and frequent or large sores may need a check-up to find the cause. A licensed doctor can check your symptoms online and recommend the right care.

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Online consult

Talk to a General Physician today

A licensed General Physician reviews your symptoms by video or chat. Online consult from PHP 480. Or test first with a CBC, from PHP 105.

Get in-person care instead if you have:

A sore that hasn't healed after 3 weeks • Sores that keep coming back or are very large • A sore with a hard lump, or a white or red patch that won't go away • A high fever, or sores that make it hard to eat or drink • Sores with a skin rash, eye problems or genital sores • A weak immune system, or a baby or young child who won't drink

Singaw symptoms (mouth sore symptoms)

Singaw often starts as a tingling or burning spot, then turns into a round sore that usually heals within 1 to 2 weeks.

Round, painful sore

Bilog na sugat na puti o dilaw sa gitna at pula ang paligid. Most heal on their own.

Tingling or burning first

Mahapdi o parang may kumikiliti bago lumabas ang singaw. Start home care early.

Pain when eating or talking

Masakit kumain, uminom o magsalita. Avoid spicy, salty and acidic food for now.

Sores on cheeks, lips or tongue

May singaw sa loob ng pisngi, labi, dila o gilagid. Note where they usually appear.

More than one sore

Ilang singaw ang sabay-sabay na lumalabas. Tell your doctor if this happens often.

Swelling around the sore

Namamaga o namumula ang paligid ng singaw. Keep the area clean.

Sores that keep coming back

Paulit-ulit na nagkakaroon ng singaw. A check-up can look for causes like low vitamins.

Sore lasting over 3 weeks

Singaw na higit 3 linggo na at hindi gumagaling. This needs a check-up soon.

Singaw treatment options (gamot sa singaw)

Your doctor decides what's right for you. It may include:
• Home care like salt water rinses and avoiding food that irritates the sore
• A pain-relieving gel or mouthwash, if your doctor recommends it
• Medicine to help sores heal, if prescribed, for large or frequent sores
• Blood tests to check for low iron, vitamin B12 or folate if sores keep coming back

Prescription medicines are only dispensed with a valid prescription.

Woman holding a medicine cup

Three ways to get care for singaw

Talk to a doctor now

A licensed General Physician reviews your symptoms by video or chat and prescribes treatment if it's right for you. Online consult from PHP 480.

Doctor reviewing a patient chart

See all singaw services

Causes of singaw (sanhi ng singaw)

The exact cause of singaw isn't always clear, but common triggers include biting your cheek, braces or sharp teeth, brushing too hard, stress, and hormonal changes. Spicy or acidic food can also trigger or worsen sores.

Sores that keep coming back can be linked to low iron, vitamin B12 or folate, gut conditions, or a weak immune system. Some mouth sores, like cold sores or those from hand, foot and mouth disease, are caused by viruses.

Dentist checking a patient's mouth

Home remedies and prevention (home remedy sa singaw)

These simple steps can ease the pain and help prevent new sores.

Rinse with salt water

Magmumog ng maligamgam na tubig na may kaunting asin. It helps keep the sore clean and can ease discomfort.

Avoid spicy, salty and acidic food

Iwasan muna ang maanghang, maalat at maasim na pagkain. These can sting and slow healing.

Use a soft toothbrush

Gumamit ng malambot na toothbrush at dahan-dahang magsipilyo. This avoids hurting your gums and cheeks.

Eat and chew slowly

Kumain nang dahan-dahan para hindi makagat ang pisngi o dila. Accidental bites are a common trigger.

Rest and manage stress

Magpahinga at matulog nang sapat. Stress and lack of sleep can trigger singaw in some people.

Eat a balanced diet

Kumain ng gulay, prutas, isda o karne na may iron at vitamin B. Low levels of these can be linked to frequent sores.

[Image placeholder: person rinsing their mouth with salt water]

Kailan dapat magpa-doctor

When to see a doctor

  1. 1

    Consult online if it's painful or keeps coming back

    Kung masyadong masakit, malaki, o madalas kang magkaroon ng singaw, talk to a General Physician online.

  2. 2

    Follow up if it's not healing

    Kung hindi pa gumagaling ang singaw after 2 weeks, follow up with your doctor. A sore that lasts 3 weeks or more needs an in-person check.

  3. 3

    Get in-person care right away for red flags

    Pumunta agad sa clinic kung may mataas na lagnat, hindi makakain o makainom, may matigas na bukol, o may pantal sa katawan kasabay ng singaw. These need a check-up right away.

Frequently asked questions

Ano ang gamot sa singaw?
Most singaw heal on their own, and home care like salt water rinses and avoiding spicy food can ease the pain. Your doctor may recommend a pain-relieving gel or mouthwash, or prescribe medicine for large or frequent sores. See a doctor if a sore lasts more than 3 weeks.
Can I get a singaw consult online in the Philippines?
Yes. On Hati Health, a licensed General Physician reviews your symptoms by video or chat and prescribes treatment if it's right for you. Online consult from PHP 480.
Gaano katagal bago gumaling ang singaw?
Most small singaw heal within 1 to 2 weeks without scarring. Larger sores can take a few weeks. If a sore hasn't healed after 3 weeks, see a doctor.
Nakakahawa ba ang singaw?
Common singaw (canker sores) are not contagious. But some mouth sores caused by viruses, like cold sores or hand, foot and mouth disease, can spread. Ask a doctor if you're not sure what kind of sore you have.
Bakit paulit-ulit ang singaw ko?
Frequent singaw can be linked to stress, mouth injuries, certain foods, or low iron, vitamin B12 or folate. Your doctor may request blood tests to check. On Hati Health, a CBC starts at PHP 105.
Puwede bang magka-singaw ang bata?
Yes, children can get singaw too. Mouth sores with fever, drooling, or refusing to eat or drink may be a viral infection like hand, foot and mouth disease, so consult a doctor.
Disclaimer

Ang nilalaman ng page na ito ay general health information lang at hindi kapalit ng pagpapatingin sa doctor. Huwag itong gamitin para i-diagnose o gamutin ang sarili. Para sa tamang payo at gamot, kumonsulta sa licensed doctor. Maaaring magbago ang mga presyo at schedule ng doctors nang walang abiso.