Canker sores: causes and treatments

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small sores that form inside of the mouth. They commonly appear inside the cheeks, lips, on or under the tongue, the roof of the mouth and on the gums.

Canker sores are usually white or yellow and sometimes have a small red border surrounding them. Early symptoms of a canker sore can be a small bump or red spot that produces a slight burning or tingling sensation.

Canker sore or cold sore?

Canker sores are not the same as cold sores. Canker sores are not contagious, whereas cold sores are highly contagious.

When you're trying to figure out whether you have a canker sore or a cold sore, check if the sore is inside or outside the mouth. If it's inside your mouth, it's most likely a canker sore; outside, probably a cold sore.

The two may seem similar, but the similarity ends with the fact that both are connected with the mouth and both cause pain and discomfort. Knowing which one you have is the first step to knowing how it's caused and how to treat it.

What causes a canker sore?

Canker sores often are triggered by trauma such as biting your cheek, jabbing your gum with your toothbrush or even overzealous tooth cleaning. The following can also play a role in developing canker sores:

• A dental or orthodontic appliance rubbing against the cheek
• Genetics
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Weakened immune system
• Chemotherapy
• Nutritional problems or deficiencies
• Menstrual periods
• Food allergies

Easing the discomfort from canker sores

Canker sores can be quite painful, especially when talking or eating. To minimize the pain, avoid the following:

• Hot and spicy foods
• Foods with sharp crunchy edges, such as nacho chips
• Acidic foods or beverages such as orange juice

While there is no cure for canker sores, there are some treatments that you can try to ease the discomfort until the sores go away on their own:

• Over-the-counter pain medication (such as Tylenol or Advil) for general pain relief
• Over-the-counter topical anesthetic, including some gels or patches that form a protective covering for the sore
• Over-the-counter antimicrobial mouth rinse
• Prescription-strength antimicrobial mouth rinse available from your dentist

Canker sores usually disappear in about 7 to 10 days. If a canker sore lasts more than two weeks, you should see your dentist.

Canker sore or cold sore? Academy of General Dentistry. Common mouth sores. American Dental Association.

The oral health information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a licensed dentist or other qualified health care professional for any questions concerning your oral health.