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Dentistry


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Dentistry

Dentistry
General
 * Dry Socket
 * Pericoronitis
 * Dental Abscess
 * Oral Thrush
 * Rotten Teeth
 * Canker Sores
 * Metal Taste in Mouth
 * Veneers Cost
 * Dental Implants Cost
 * Invisalign Cost
 * Braces Cost
 * Dentures Cost
 * Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
 * Dental Cleaning Costs

Malocclusion
 * Underbite
 * Overbite
 * Crossbite
 * Diastema
 * Crowded Teeth
 * Open Bite
 * Clear Aligners Guide

Restorative
 * Dental Implants
 * Dental Bridges
 * Dental Crowns
 * Inlays and Onlays
 * Dental Bonding
 * Dentures
 * Partial Dentures

Cosmetic

Cosmetic
General
 * Veneers
 * Veneers Before/After
 * Lumineers
 * Invisalign Alternatives
 * Whitening Mouthwash
 * Snap on Veneers
 * Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe?
 * At Home Teeth Straightening Kits
 * Teeth Whitening Pens
 * How to Use Crest White Strips
 * Best Whitening Toothpaste
 * Natural Teeth Whitening
 * Whitening for Sensitive Teeth
 * Glo Teeth Whitening

Whitening


Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained

Best Teeth Whitening Kit
The best at-home whitening kits ranked

Best Teeth Whitening Strips
We’ve compared the top teeth whitening strips
Clear Aligners


Candid Review
We tried Candid aligners, here’s our review

Byte Review
Byte aligners are affordable, are they worth it?

Invisalign Review
See how the original clear aligner company stacks up
Product Reviews

Product Reviews
Costs
 * Affordable Dentures
 * Low Cost Dental Implants
 * Root Canal Cost
 * Crest Emulsions
 * Teeth Whitening Costs
 * Chipped Tooth Repair Cost
 * Tooth Extraction Cost
 * Veneers Cost
 * Dental Implants Cost
 * Invisalign Cost
 * Braces Cost
 * Dentures Cost
 * Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
 * Dental Cleaning Costs

Toothbrushes


Sonicare Toothbrush
Philips’ Sonicare lineup, reviewed and ranked

Waterpik Sonic Fusion
Our review of the world’s first flossing toothbrush

Quip Toothbrush
Quip toothbrushes are affordable, are they worth it?
Others


Best Water Flossers
The best water flossers of this year

Waterpik Reviews
The best Waterpiks, reviewed and ranked

Snow Whitening
Complete review of Snow teeth whitening products



CANKER SORES: TYPES, CAUSES & HOW TO GET RID OF THEM

April 3, 2022

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CANKER SORES: TYPES, CAUSES & HOW TO GET RID OF THEM

April 3, 2022

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CANKER SORES: TYPES, CAUSES & HOW TO GET RID OF THEM

Written by
Alyssa Hill
April 3, 2022
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Medically Reviewed by 
Dr. Lara Coseo
6 Sources Cited


WHAT ARE CANKER SORES? WHERE DO THEY FORM?

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) appear as small, painful swellings on the lips or
inside the mouth.

The painful sores are covered by a mixture of fluids, white blood cells, and
bacteria. They typically have a white, gray, or yellowish film with a red
border.



In the beginning stages, the sores may appear as small red dots. In some cases,
they can be as large as a quarter. As a canker sore is forming, it is not
uncommon to feel irritation, tingling, and burning sensations around the
infected area.

Canker sores can also cause swollen lymph nodes in your neck. This is especially
true if you get recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores or mouth ulcers).

Canker sores do not develop outside of the mouth. Rather, the sores can develop
in a few different areas in and around the mouth, including:

 * The base of the gums
 * Inside of the cheeks
 * Inside of the lips (inner lip)
 * On the soft palate (back of the roof of the mouth)
 * On or under the tongue

Tongue sores are typically caused by mouth injuries, braces, dental work, sports
accidents, or brushing your teeth too hard.

Summary

Canker sores are small, painful lesions that develop on the inside of the mouth.
They can be small or large and typically have a white, gray, yellow, or red
border.

In this article

 * Symptoms of a Canker Sore
 * 3 Types of Canker Sores
 * What Canker Sores Look Like (Pictures)
 * Canker Sores vs. Cold Sores (Herpes)
 * What Causes Canker Sores?
 * What Gets Rid of Canker Sores Fast?
 * 7 Ways to Prevent Canker Sores


SYMPTOMS OF A CANKER SORE

The most common signs of a canker sore include:

 * A round, painful sore inside your mouth that is white or gray with a red
   border
 * Tingling or burning sensation prior to sore development
 * Fever, sluggishness, and/or swollen lymph nodes (severe cases only)




3 TYPES OF CANKER SORES

There are three types of canker sores, including minor sores, major sores, and
herpetiform sores. They are distinguished by their size, shape, and pain level:

1. MINOR SORES

Minor canker sores are the most common type, affecting more than 80 percent of
sore sufferers. Characteristics of minor canker sores:

 * Typically less than 5 mm in diameter
 * Do not require treatment
 * Heal in 7 to 14 days 5
 * Do not scar

2. MAJOR SORES

Major canker sores are more severe and appear less commonly than minor canker
sores. Characteristics of major canker sores:

 * They are much bigger than minor canker sores (over 1 centimeter in diameter)
 * Often require treatment
 * Do not heal for two or more weeks
 * Can last for weeks or months 5
 * Typically extremely painful
 * May form a scar

3. HERPETIFORM SORES

Herpetiform sores are the least common type of canker sore. Characteristics
include:

 * Appear as a cluster of small sores
 * May require treatment
 * Individual sores are less than a few millimeters in diameter
 * Small sores often form into larger ulcers
 * Typically extremely painful
 * Heal in about one month 5

Summary

Minor sores are small, heal within two weeks, and don't scar. Major sores are
large, very painful, and can last for months. They can also scar. Herpetiform
sores are small clusters of sores that heal within a month. They are very
painful and typically require treatment.


WHAT CANKER SORES LOOK LIKE (PICTURES)

MEDICAL IMAGES OF CANKER SORES





CANKER SORES VS. COLD SORES (HERPES)

Canker sores are not cold sores. They are noncontagious inflammations, rather
than infections.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a highly contagious infection that
causes cold sores (fever blisters). Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters
that usually appear on the hard part of the gums or the outside of the lips.

HSV-1 spreads through close personal contact, such as kissing, hugging,
handshakes, sharing drinks, and sharing utensils. Herpes is a lifelong disease
with no cure.

ARE CANKER SORES CONTAGIOUS?

Canker sores are not contagious. You cannot get a canker sore by sharing food,
utensils, drinks, or kissing an individual who has a canker sore.

A cold sore (HSV-1) is contagious if an oozing blister is present. However, the
sore is not contagious if it has completely scabbed.

Summary

Cold sores are contagious blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1
(HSV-1). Canker sores are noncontagious infections (not caused by HSV-1). Cold
sores form on the outside of the mouth, while canker sores form on the inside.




WHAT CAUSES CANKER SORES?

Common causes of canker sores include:

POOR ORAL HYGIENE

Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing the mouth
regularly kills bacteria and keeps the mouth healthy. To avoid them, it is also
important to limit hard, crunchy, unhealthy, or irritating foods (acidic).

ORAL INJURIES

Canker sores may develop after having dental work done. Sports injuries,
brushing the teeth excessively, small cuts, and accidental cheek biting can also
cause them. Braces, poor-fitting dentures, fillings, and fractures can also
cause canker sores.3, 5

FOOD ALLERGIES

Acidic foods, spicy foods, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, eggplants, cheese,
tomatoes, and gluten may cause allergic reactions in some people. These
reactions can lead to the formation of canker sores.

TOOTHPASTE

Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can cause canker sores. The
ingredient is known to irritate the tissues inside the mouth and gums. If ulcers
are recurrent, toothpaste is likely the culprit.

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Excessive intake of sugar, processed foods, and citrus fruits can cause aphthous
ulcers. It is recommended to eat salads with raw onions because they contain
sulfur, which has antibacterial effects.

HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Puberty, menopause, and menstrual cycles can increase inflammation in and around
the mouth.

HIV INFECTION

Canker sores are not a symptom of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is a
virus that breaks down cells in the immune system. Although, people with
HIV/AIDS may develop severe sores more frequently than those without the virus.

STRESS AND FATIGUE

Emotional or physical stress can cause canker sores in some people because
excessive stress increases inflammation.

DISEASES

Frequent canker sores are associated with certain diseases and chronic health
conditions. These health conditions include, but are not limited to:

 * Inflammatory bowel diseases – such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
 * Celiac disease – a severe intestinal disorder caused by gluten intolerance
 * Behcet's disease – causes inflammation around the entire body (including the
   mouth)
 * Lupus – an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack its own organs
   and tissues
 * A compromised immune system – when someone has a reduced immune response to
   fighting off infections

VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES

To avoid canker sores, the body needs a proper balance of acidity, minerals, and
alkalinity. Iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies have been
linked to canker sores. 3, 4 Calcium deficiencies also cause canker sores and
can even make the sores worse.

Summary

Canker sores can be caused by food allergies, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal
imbalances, stress, acidic foods, poor oral hygiene, and even small cuts. Women,
teens, and young adults are more likely to develop canker sores.


WHAT GETS RID OF CANKER SORES FAST?

Minor canker sores typically go away on their own within a week. Although, if
major canker sores develop, it is important to seek treatment. Over-the-counter
products are usually recommended, including:

 * Fluocinonide – Lidex (Fluocinonide) and Vanos mouth rinse
 * Hydrogen peroxide products – Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse™ and Colgate®
   Peroxyl®
 * Tetracycline – if you get frequent canker sores, your doctor or dentist may
   prescribe you tetracycline. However, one possible side effect of this
   medication is a fungal infection called oral thrush. Thrush, ironically, can
   lead to mouth sores.
 * Ibuprofen – you can take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter (OTC) pain
   relievers to reduce swelling, discomfort, and pain

NATURAL CANKER SORE REMEDIES

Canker sores usually disappear on their own within 7 to 10 days. There are a few
natural home remedies that can be used to help speed up the healing process and
decrease irritation.

Natural remedies for canker sore speed healing include:

 * Suck on ice chips and/or Zinc lozenges to relieve pain and discomfort
 * Use a mouth rinse and toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate
 * Mix liquid Benadryl with magnesia and use it as a mouth rinse
 * Rinse your mouth a few times each day with warm salt water or a baking soda
   rinse (1 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of warm water). Swish it around for a couple of
   minutes and then spit it out in the sink.
 * Eat salads that contain raw onions
 * Drink chamomile tea to soothe canker sore discomfort (German chamomile
   contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties)
 * A medication called Orabase can help keep your canker sore from becoming more
   painful when brushing your teeth, eating, or drinking

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Consult your doctor if your canker sore is large and lasts for longer than two
weeks. Also, visit your doctor if the pain worsens and you can't seem to control
it with home remedies.

DIAGNOSING CANKER SORES

Tests are not needed to diagnose a canker sore. Your dentist or doctor may
recommend blood work if the ulcer(s) does not disappear on its own or there is a
severe breakout present. You may also benefit from a vitamin deficiency test if
you experience frequent sores.

ARE CANKER SORES HARMFUL?

Canker sores normally do not have any complications or risks if they are caused
by natural factors. In rare cases, canker sores can be an early sign of oral
cancer (mouth cancer). Ulcers caused by oral cancer are typically painful,
thicken over time, and do not disappear on their own.

Summary

Certain mouth rinses can help relieve canker sores fast. Some are available over
the counter. You should see a doctor if your canker sore lasts for longer than
two weeks. They can run tests to ensure it isn't something more serious (like
oral cancer - which is rare).


7 WAYS TO PREVENT CANKER SORES

In most cases, canker sores are a natural part of life. However, if you develop
sores frequently, there are ways to prevent them from developing. Prevention
tips include:

 1. Avoid or limit your intake of spicy foods, acidic fruits, and other acidic
    drinks (e.g., coffee and fruit juices)
 2. Take a multivitamin every day
 3. Take a 1000 mcg dose of vitamin B-12 at night to reduce and prevent canker
    sore breakouts
 4. Do not use dental products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate
 5. Chew less gum to prevent irritation
 6. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove bacteria, food particles, and
    plaque in your mouth
 7. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and try to brush after each meal (if you get
    canker sores often)

Summary

The best way to prevent canker sores is to eat a balanced diet and take a
multivitamin to prevent deficiencies. If you eat a lot of acidic/spicy foods,
try cutting back to see if it helps. Also, make sure you brush and floss your
teeth twice a day.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF CANKER SORES

Some possible complications of canker sores include:

 * Fatigue
 * Cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection)
 * Fever
 * Sores that appear outside of the mouth
 * Pain while brushing your teeth, eating, and/or talking

Summary

In rare cases, canker sores can lead to issues like fevers, fatigue, and
cellulitis (a skin infection). If your sore lasts for longer than two weeks, see
a doctor.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Here are some frequently asked questions about canker sores:

CAN YOU POP A CANKER SORE?

You cannot pop a canker sore. They are shallow wounds, not pimples or blisters.
It would be very painful to try and pop a canker sore.

WHAT IS THE BEST MOUTHWASH FOR CANKER SORES?

Orajel™ Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse is the best mouthwash for canker sores
because it aids in the healing process. Orajel also soothes cheek bites, gum
irritation, and denture discomfort.

HOW LONG DO CANKER SORES LAST?

Canker sores can take anywhere between 1 to 6 weeks to heal completely. However,
they typically hurt for 7 to 10 days. Minor canker sores heal in about 1 to 3
weeks. Major canker sores may not heal for up to 6 weeks. Another canker sore
can also develop before the first one heals.

DOES DRINKING MILK HELP CANKER SORES?

Milk of magnesia can help reduce canker sore pain and discomfort, while also
speeding up the healing process.

DOES PUTTING SALT ON A CANKER SORE HELP?

Yes, saltwater has anti-bacterial properties that promote healing and help
reduce pain symptoms. Rinse with a saltwater mixture (1 teaspoon salt per 1/2
cup warm water) 1-3 times today to help your canker sore heal. You may
experience slight pain or discomfort while swishing.

HOW DO YOU HEAL A CANKER SORE FAST?

Hydrogen peroxide products such as Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse can help
heal canker sores quickly.

CAN YOU KISS SOMEONE WITH A CANKER SORE?

Canker sores are not contagious, so they cannot be spread through kissing.
However, you may experience discomfort or pain from friction.

DO CANKER SORES SPREAD?

No. Canker sores are not contagious. Cold sores are contagious.

IS A CANKER SORE A VIRUS?

No, canker sores are lesions and are not associated with any viruses. Unlike
cold sores, which are associated with viruses.

WHAT IS THE BEST MEDICATION FOR CANKER SORES?

Use hydrogen peroxide products such as Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse to
help heal your canker sores. OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen can help
reduce pain. For frequent cold sores, talk to your dentist, they may prescribe
you tetracycline.

WHAT VITAMINS HELP PREVENT CANKER SORES?

Taking a 1000 mcg dose of vitamin B-12 at night can help reduce and prevent
canker sore breakouts.

WHEN SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT A CANKER SORE?

Visit your doctor if you get recurring, very large, or persistent canker sores
(lasting two or more weeks).






In this article

 * Symptoms of a Canker Sore
 * 3 Types of Canker Sores
 * What Canker Sores Look Like (Pictures)
 * Canker Sores vs. Cold Sores (Herpes)
 * What Causes Canker Sores?
 * What Gets Rid of Canker Sores Fast?
 * 7 Ways to Prevent Canker Sores




RELATED PAGES

Can You Pop a Canker Sore? Canker Sore Causes 5 Stages of Cold Sores and What to
Do 9 Best Cold Sore Remedies for Fast Relief

Share this article
Last updated on April 3, 2022
6 Sources Cited
Last updated on April 3, 2022
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed
dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and
relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific
research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies,
and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American
Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and
the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
 1. Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery, a Member of
    Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2010.
 2. Zand, Janet, et al. Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child: a Practical A-to-Z
    Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Infants and Children.
    Avery, 2004.
 3. “Aphthous Stomatitis.” Aphthous Stomatitis - an Overview | ScienceDirect
    Topics.
 4. Edgar, Natalie Rose, et al. “Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Review.” The
    Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Matrix Medical
    Communications, Mar. 2017.
 5. Scully, Crispian, and Rosemary Shotts. “Mouth Ulcers and Other Causes of
    Orofacial Soreness and Pain.” Western Journal of Medicine, Copyright 2001
    BMJ Publishing Group, June 2001.
 6. FPRP, 1Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. “Canker Sores/Recurrent Aphthous
    Stomatitis (RAS) : Evidence-Based Practice.” LWW.

Dr. Lara Coseo
Medical Reviewer
Dr. Lara Coseo
Medical Reviewer
Lara Coseo is a licensed general dentist with over a decade of experience in
private practice. Dr. Coseo earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004
from Baylor College of Dentistry (now Texas A&M College of Dentistry) and her
Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2014. Dr. Coseo is an adjunct
associate professor at her alma mater, instructing dental students in their
pre-clinial laboratories. She is passionate about patient education and
preventive dentistry. Because most dental problems are preventable and
avoidable, she believes that everyone should have access to important, accurate
dental information.
Alyssa Hill
Content Contributor
Alyssa Hill
Content Contributor
Alyssa has an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Arizona and is the lead
content writer and editor for NewMouth. She has extensive experience writing
expert-backed content in the dental space, with an emphasis on clear aligners
and teeth whitening. Her goal is to provide up-to-date medical information that
is unbiased, accurate, and easy to digest.

Home » What Is Oral Health? Common Oral Conditions & Prevention Tips » Canker
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