Canker sores, also called recurrent aphthous ulcers, are small round sores that form inside the mouth. They most often appear on the loose tissues of the mouth, like the inside of the lips or cheeks, the underside of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and sometimes near the tonsils.
They usually begin as a tingling sensation, followed by a white or yellow sore surrounded by a bright red area.
Pain usually decreases in about a week, and the sores heal in 7-14 days. Fortunately, most canker sores are not serious and will soon go away on their own.
Causes of Canker Sores
No one knows what causes canker sores, but some experts say that the tendency to get canker sores is inherited. Another theory is that they may be a result of actions by the body's immune system.
Certain triggers seem to set off outbreaks, including injury in the mouth, like a bite or cut, toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, emotional stress, hormonal changes, food allergies, and dietary deficiencies, especially of Vitamin B, zinc, folic acid, iron and selenium. If you have had a canker sore, you are likely to get one again. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no known cure for canker sores, but you can ease the pain and perhaps reduce how often you get them. Common remedies include:
If this is the first time you have had a canker sore, let us know, so we can distinguish it from other kinds of mouth sores. Tell us now if you get canker sores more than three times a year, since this may be a sign of a more serious illness.
If the sores are large, painful or persistent, we may recommend medication.