What is an Canker Sore?
Canker sores are small, thin sores in your mouth. You can get them on the inside of your lips or cheeks, at the base of your gums, or under your tongue. Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers.
Mouth sores are different from cold sores (also called fever blisters). Cold sores are usually on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.
Symptoms:
Canker sores are red and often have a white coating on top. You may feel discomfort or pain from the sore.
What causes canker sores?
Anyone can get mouth sores, but people in their teens and 20s are more likely to get them. They are more common in women than men. Doctors don’t know the exact cause of the sores. Certain things can increase your chances of getting them. These include oral trauma, stress, poor nutrition, food allergies, viral infections, and hormonal changes. Canker sores can run in families. They are not contagious.
How are canker sores diagnosed?
Your doctor will look at the sore and review your symptoms. He or she may ask about your medical history or take a biopsy of the ulcer to see if you have a related problem.
Also, contact your doctor if:
- Your ulcer is very large.
- Your sores are so painful that you cannot eat or drink.
- Your sore lasts more than 2 weeks.
- You have a fever or other symptoms of illness when you have sores.
- You have sores more than 3 times a year.
Can sores be prevented or avoided?
You cannot prevent or avoid ulcers of unknown cause. However, there are things you can do to reduce mouth irritation. Avoid chewing gum and eating hard or spicy foods. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after meals and floss every day. This keeps your mouth free of food particles that can cause sores.
Treatment
The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms until the sores go away on their own. Pain relievers can help reduce the discomfort and swelling of the sores. There are a number of over-the-counter medications specifically for canker sores. Most of them contain an anesthetic to relieve pain. They can also protect sores from irritation from eating, drinking, and brushing teeth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if one of these products may be right for you.
Your doctor may prescribe a special topical or mouthwash to help.
- The medicine go directly into your sores. Dry the ulcer first with a cotton swab. Then, use a second gauze pad to apply the medication. You may have to pull your lips apart or open your mouth wide to apply. Keep the sore isolated and untouchable for a few minutes. This allows the medicine to stick to the ulcer. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes.
- Use washing mouth Just like you would with a regular mouthwash. Gargle for a few minutes, especially around the sore. Then spit it out or swallow it, based on the instructions. Do not use mouthwash containing alcohol. It can further irritate the sores.
Living it.
There is no cure for canker sores. They usually go away on their own after 7 to 10 days. Treatment can speed this process and/or relieve symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent, painful sores.