Canker Sores | Mouth Ulcers: A simple Explanation by Smile Symphony

Have you noticed a whitish-yellow bump on the inside of your lip, gums, or cheeks? Does it have a red halo surrounding it? Is it painful or interfering with eating and drinking? You probably have a canker sore.

These lesions are clinically called Aphthous Ulcers. They are easily mistaken with cold sores. The difference is that cold sores are contagious and develop on the surface of the skin, whereas canker sores develop in the soft tissues of the mouth.

Interesting Facts about Canker Sores

1. They are not caused by viruses
2. They are benign lesions (harmless and noncancerous)
3. They are non-contagious (they don’t spread from person to person)
4. They occurs around the world, but are more common in developed countries
5. They are seen more in higher socioeconomic groups
6. Most of them develop for the first time before the individual hits their thirties

How do they happen?

The exact cause is unknown, however, there are conditions that may instigate or trigger the formation of these ulcers:

• Food allergies
• Hormonal changes pertaining to menstrual cycle
• Certain intake of drugs, such as ibuprofen or blood pressure medication (beta-blockers)
• Trauma to the oral soft tissues, which can be caused by sharp edges on teeth and appliances; if this happens to you, please visit our office
• Stress-related anxiety
• Vitamin deficiencies (folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12)

Symptoms

Canker sores come in two different forms. Major sores are larger than minor sores. Generally, these ulcers can reoccur.

Major canker sores: The ulcers are larger than 1cm, painful, and present for about 3-6 months. When the lesion heals, it leaves a scar.

Minor canker sores: In most cases, these lesions can be seen. They appear as oval, small 2-3 mm and contain a white center. They disappear without a scar in 3-14 days.

Another form known as “herpetiform,” mimics the herpes virus infection with similar ulcers in clusters, and lasts 7-10 days.

When to see our office:

• An ulcer reoccurs
• An ulcer becomes larger
• A lesion lasts longer than two weeks
• A high fever coinciding with the ulcer
• Unbearable pain not controlled by at-home remedies

Treatment

Canker sores can be tackled at home with salt water rinses, allergy medicine (Benadryl), or over-the-counter medications. These include pain medications, iron and vitamin supplements, tetracycline suspensions, and corticosteroids.

If you have any concerns about a lesion anywhere in and around your mouth, please visit our office so we can monitor the lesion and guide you in the right direction.