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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 Dental Health Private Dental Clinic 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 Dental Health Private Dental Clinic. 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

558 Reviews

5.0
MP

Michael Purkiss

Great experience with Dentist Johann Havenga. Clearly knows his stuff, and highly personable! Sprouted by a Highly professional team. Five Stars!

DW

Deryck Williams

Firstly can I say the Dentist is not my favourite location. Having said that I don't think I could find anyware better than the "Dental Health Private Dental Clinic " in West End, Southampton. The staff are first class, very efficient and cheerfull and I feel at ease when I'm there.

MP

Mrs SJ Peterson

Superb in every way

7th August 2025

The whole team at the practice were very professional and particularly kind to my mother in law.

6th August 2025

The outcome

3rd August 2025

Friendly and well trained and skilled staff, easy to get to and cleanliness of the practice.

3rd August 2025

Good service provider patient listening to patient and talking through procedure before starting treatment

1st August 2025

I really love this practice, the reception is kind and there's always an appointment for me and my daughter and husband when we need it. Johann is so thorough, honest and takes a lot of care. I have always been really impressed that he always tries not to take the most drastic option which a lot of other dentists do. I was in Australia for 2 years and refused to see another dentist and always look forward to my visits. Thank you so much

26th July 2025

Friendly, professional and competent team.

25th July 2025

The staff are always lovely, courteous and efficient

24th July 2025

All the staff were friendly and competent

24th July 2025

I've been with this practice for a few years now and it is light years ahead of any other practice I have been to in my adult life. Friendly people who put you at ease. Exactly what you want in such circumstances. Thank you guys

20th July 2025

I was nervous but James put me at ease and made sure I was OK and comfortable through the appointment. He answered all my questions

19th July 2025

I was happy with the friendly atmosphere which put me at ease. And the relaxed way the dentist made me feel. I used to be very anxious but since going to my dentist of a few years, I am not.

TN

Tiffany Noy

The Dental Health Private Dental Clinic has been nothing short of amazing with my teenager, who has a deep seated phobia of dentists. Every member of staff is so welcoming and thoughtful. The dentist my teen sees takes everything at their pace, so they feel and know they are in control of what happens to them in the dentists chair. Right from our very first visit, it was abundantly clear that their aim was to see my teen for who they are and work with them, gaining their trust and ultimately getting them a step closer to easing that abject fear of visiting, and allowing a dentist to help care for their dental health.

GC

Gina Cooper

Yes very friendly and professional

18th July 2025

Everyone was very friendly, and caring. They considered my needs and made sure I was comfortable and felt safe.

SH

Sue Holbrook

I am very happy to go to that dentist.He is very knowledgeable kind and friendly as are everyone else that works there. I would recommend it very highly.

JW

Julie Ward

Excellent service at this practice . Extremely friendly and put me at ease .

AP

Adam Prioletti

I used to see johann at a previous practice, his care was top notch, recently found him again online and glad I did. Professional prompt service and such a pleasure to have a checkup with him knowing I’m in solid hands

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