An Overview of Causes and Treatment for Canker Sores

TL;DR:

Canker sores are painful but common mouth ulcers that usually heal within two weeks. Unlike cold sores, they aren’t contagious. Causes range from minor injuries to nutritional deficiencies and stress. Home remedies often help, but severe or persistent sores may require professional dental treatment.

• Canker sores are non-contagious ulcers inside the mouth
• Different from cold sores, which are viral and contagious
• Causes include injury, deficiencies, stress, and food sensitivities
• Most heal naturally; rinses and hygiene can speed recovery
• Severe or recurring cases may need dentist-prescribed treatment

The small, shallow ulcer that formed on the inside of your mouth might be a canker sore. They have white and yellow centers, and often appear on the cheeks, tongue, or gums.

While not contagious, effective treatment for canker sores can help you find relief from these painful and unsightly bumps. We’ll share advice for dealing with this uncomfortable condition from your dentist at Smiles of Cary.

Continue reading to learn more about the causes of canker sores, as well as how to treat them.

What Is a Canker Sore?

A canker sore is also known as aphthous stomatitis. Essentially, they are open sores in the mouth and are generally painful. You might experience pain while eating, drinking, or even speaking.

Canker sores are quite common, impacting half or more of the population. In the vast majority of cases, they require no special treatment and resolve in under two weeks.

Canker Sore vs. Cold Sore

Cold sores differ from canker sores. They are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex-1, and are contagious. Unlike canker sores, they may appear on the inside or outside of the mouth. They can be triggered by stress or illness.

Canker sores are not contagious, and their triggers are less clear. They typically only develop inside the mouth, and almost never on the external lips. Canker sores may have a genetic component. They are most common in children and young adults.

What Causes Canker Sores?

It’s not always possible to determine the exact cause of a canker sore.

A few factors that may contribute include:

• A minor injury to the mouth, such as from braces or biting the inside of your mouth
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin B12, iron, folate, or zinc
• Stress or hormone changes
• Food sensitivities, especially to acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes

Some underlying health conditions or immune system issues can increase your risk of developing canker sores. For example, they are more common in individuals with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

How to Get Rid of a Canker Sore

The majority of canker sores heal on their own, often in under two weeks. However, if you treat canker sores, you can sometimes speed up the process.

You can try rinsing daily with salt water and prioritizing good oral hygiene. A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can also help keep the ulcers clean. If your canker sores are triggered by specific foods, avoid them until you're feeling better.

If you’re experiencing pain, a numbing mouthwash or oral antiseptic gel is generally safe. You can buy these at your local pharmacy over the counter.

Treatment for Severe Canker Sores

If your canker sores are severe, you may wish to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Always seek medical advice if:

• Sores are unusually large or extremely painful
• They last longer than 3 weeks
• You have frequent recurrences
• They are accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or other systemic symptoms

Your dentist can prescribe corticosteroid ointments or rinses, or a prescription antimicrobial mouthwash. They may be able to help you identify an underlying condition.

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Struggling with recurring canker sores? Get relief and answers at Smiles of Cary. Schedule your general dentistry visit in Cary, NC, today!