Mouth Ulcers

Oral use of propolis may, in rare instances, lead to the development or worsening of mouth ulcers, characterized by painful sores inside the mouth.

Mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful sores that develop inside the mouth, typically on the soft tissues such as the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums. They can cause discomfort, especially when eating, drinking, or speaking. In the context of propolis use, it is hypothesized that certain compounds within propolis, particularly in susceptible individuals, might trigger an inflammatory response leading to the formation or exacerbation of these ulcers. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but allergic reactions or irritant properties of some propolis components could be involved. Severity and duration vary, ranging from mild discomfort lasting a few days to more severe pain lasting up to two weeks.