Prevention
Canker sores: what is typical and when to seek advice
Most simple canker sores settle in a week or two, but persistent, unusual or frequently recurring lesions deserve examination.
Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small painful ulcers that typically appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips or tongue. They may have a white or yellow center with a red rim. They can make eating uncomfortable, but they are not contagious. A photograph alone cannot establish the cause of every mouth sore.
Canker sores are not the same as cold sores
Cold sores, generally caused by herpes simplex virus, often appear as clusters of blisters near the outside border of the lips and can spread to others. Canker sores usually form inside the mouth. Injuries, infections and other health problems can cause lesions that look similar. Location offers a clue, not a definitive diagnosis.
Why do they appear?
The exact cause is often unclear. Some people notice episodes after accidentally biting a cheek, irritation from an appliance, stress or certain foods. Frequent recurrence can justify reviewing potential underlying conditions or nutritional deficiencies with a clinician. It is rarely helpful to blame a single vitamin or food without evidence.
Reducing irritation while a sore heals
- Brush gently with soft bristles and avoid scraping the ulcer.
- Choose softer foods; avoid very spicy, salty or acidic foods if they sting.
- Do not apply alcohol or harsh home remedies to the lesion.
- If pain makes eating or drinking difficult, ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable symptom relief rather than starting antibiotics or steroid treatment yourself.
When should a mouth ulcer be assessed?
Many canker sores heal within one or two weeks. Have a mouth ulcer checked if it has not improved after two weeks or has not healed after three weeks. Arrange an assessment if a sore is getting larger, bleeds without an obvious cause or keeps recurring. Seek prompt care if swallowing becomes difficult. If you cannot swallow liquids or saliva, or have trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. Most mouth sores are not cancer, but a persistent lesion should not be dismissed.
Soft-tissue ulcers differ from a dental abscess, which may require prompt care if infection and swelling are present. A preventive consultation at RR Estudio Dental can examine the area and advise on referral when appropriate.