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We’re Accepting New Patients!

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Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

Mouth ulcers concerns

Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth, usually on the soft tissue - cheeks, lips or tongue. They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour and swollen.

Although they're uncomfortable, mouth ulcers are usually harmless and clear up by themselves within a week or two.

In many cases, the reason for mouth ulcers is unclear, but triggers are thought to include:

  • Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or a sharp tooth
  • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Hard food
  • A defective filling
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Hormonal changes – some women develop mouth ulcers during their monthly period
  • Eating certain foods – such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour
  • Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
  • Stopping smoking – when you first stop smoking, you may develop mouth ulcers
  • Viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease
  • Medical conditions - including vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, reactive arthritis, HIV, lupus, Behçet’s disease
  • Certain medications or medical treatments may also cause mouth ulcers

It's usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home to help reduce swelling and ease any discomfort.

Self care

Tips for easing discomfort and aid healing:

  • Antimicrobial mouthwash or protective paste, available from your pharmacist
  • Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth
  • Use a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, as this may be irritating
  • Avoid hard, spicy, salty, acidic or hot food and drink until the ulcer heals
  • Use a straw to drink cool drinks
  • Avoid things that may be triggering your mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can sometimes be a possible symptom of a more serious problem such as infection or mouth cancer. It's therefore essential that you contact [practice name] as soon as possible if you notice:

  • your mouth ulcer has lasted three or more weeks
  • you keep getting mouth ulcers
  • your mouth ulcer becomes more painful or red
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Durban Dental Centre. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

862 Reviews

5.0
DC

Deborah C

A great dentist. Have tried other dentist closer to home but prefer the Durban. Lovely helpful staff and great Hygenist.

11th August 2025

Mr A Sim and Kirsty were absolutely brilliant attentive and caring

5th August 2025

I have been using this practice for about 30 years and will continue to do so

2nd August 2025

Lovely reception staff tho sometimes quite pressedCheerful and helpful dental nursesNot being rushed through

JP

J Penn

I see Ashley at Durban Dental and he is superb. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. His knowledge and clinical skills seem top notch. He offers practical and sound advice, without pushing unnecessary treatments. He gives confidence and is calm and patient. I find the whole team welcoming and very professional. Highly recommended.

31st July 2025

I am a nervous patient but I have every confidence in my dentist. This has changed my whole outlook in coming to the dentist. Also the treatment and results are excellent . The patience and time taken to insure the tooth is smooth after the filling and fits the gap correctly is extraordinary . A very happy patient .

31st July 2025

A very competent dentist who kept me informed throughout the procedure.

18th July 2025

I was experiencing problems with my general health that affected my next step forward with dental treatment. The dentist was extremely understanding and patient coming up with a solution and produced a denture that has been extremely successful.

16th July 2025

Everything was explained as the treatment progressed and I was asked repeatedly if I was okay during the whole process.

10th July 2025

The helpfulness and courtesy of all the staff.

3rd July 2025

All the staff were very kind and helpful.

29th June 2025

Very professional

27th June 2025

...

27th June 2025

Courteous, professional, understanding treatment.

10th June 2025

Since being referred to Ashley Sim for the making of a denture, he has been super efficient and kindness itself. Dentists are not my favourite people due to past experiences and all the staff at Durbans have been very understanding.

KL

Katrina Levett

I can't thank Dr Ruth, Dental Nurse EJ and Hygienist Anda enough for their kindness, care and compassion, following my recent extensive dental treatment. I can now smile with confidence. I would highly recommend each of them, and I feel I have found the perfect practice for me. Thank you so much.

KK

Kirsty Kirkness-O'Boyle

Saw Dr Ruth and dental nurse EJ, fantastic and calm service. Kids felt relaxed and well looked after. Their patient is their main priority and they are focussed on well being.

31st May 2025

I am a nervous patient and my dentist explained the procedure for me and gave me the option for him to stop if I needed . ..I felt more in control.

IC

Ian Clabby

Friendly and professional. Ruth and E-J are a great team

21st May 2025

Experienced & helpful staff in a very well organised dental practice. Convenient Parking and close to town center.

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