A device for treating oral ulcers or sores comprises a light source for illuminating a sore or ulcer to be treated a laser diode for directing laser energy at the sore or ulcer a regulated power supply for powering the light source and the laser diode at selected power levels a first switch operable to selectively deliver power from the regulated power supply to the light source a second switch operable to selectively deliver power from the regulated power supply to the laser diode when the switch is operated by a user to treat the located ulcer or sore a control device configured to operate the laser diode for a selected time period each time the switch is operated and to then subsequently turn the laser diode off until the switch is operated again and a portable, handheld housing for housing the laser diode, regulated power supply, switch, and control device.
