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Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Top Articles. What are Mouth Irritations and Oral Lesions? The following signs may indicate a mouth sore or oral lesion: Canker sores are small white swellings or sores surrounded by an area of redness. While canker sores are not contagious, they are often confused with cold sores, which are caused by the contagious herpes virus.
It may help to remember that canker sores occur inside the mouth, while cold sores usually occur outside the mouth. Canker sores can recur, and can be minor small , major larger or herpetiform multiple, in groups or clusters. Canker sores are common and often recur. Although the exact cause is uncertain, some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.
Factors such as stress, trauma, allergies, cigarette smoking, iron or other vitamin deficiencies, and heredity may also make one susceptible. Feb 07, Cedars-Sinai Staff. Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth on the lips, cheeks, on the gums, and tongue.
They are appropriately named, too: In Greek, aphthae root of aphthous means "to set on fire. Either way, you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. We talked to doctors to find out where canker sores come from, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get one. They can be the result of an injury, like when you accidentally bite your cheek or when braces catch or rub against the inside of the cheeks or back of the lips, but often they appear seemingly out of nowhere.
They can be triggered by a number of things, like a weak immune system, dehydration, allergies, stress, and even medication. Certain medical conditions may also cause canker sores. Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can be a culprit.
Varinthrej Pitis. Nitin Kapur , primary care physician. If the canker sore is unusually large, lasts 2 weeks or more, extends to the lips, makes it very difficult to eat or drink, or if you develop a fever, seek the advice of your primary care doctor , a dentist, or dermatologist. Your Care Instructions Canker sores are painful white sores in the mouth. How can you care for yourself at home? Drink cold liquids, such as water or iced tea, or eat flavoured ice pops or frozen juices.
Use a straw to keep the liquid from coming in contact with your canker sore. Eat soft, bland foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as ice cream, custard, applesauce, cottage cheese, macaroni and cheese, soft-cooked eggs, yogurt, or cream soups. Cut foods into small pieces, or grind, mash, blend, or puree foods to make them easier to chew and swallow.
While your canker sore heals, avoid coffee, chocolate, spicy and salty foods, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes. To soothe your canker sore and help it heal: Use an over-the-counter numbing medicine, such as Orabase or Anbesol. Dab a bit of Milk of Magnesia on the canker sore 3 or 4 times a day.
Put ice on your sore to reduce the pain. Take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain, as needed. These include ibuprofen Advil, Motrin and naproxen Aleve. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, and brush your teeth well but carefully. Do not smoke or use spit tobacco.
Tobacco can cause mouth problems and slow healing. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
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