Mouth sores, which include canker sores, are usually a minor irritation and last only a week or two. In some cases, however, they can indicate mouth cancer or an infection from a virus, such as herpes simplex.
There are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue. They usually appear white, gray, or yellow in color, with a red border.
Dr. Swastik Satpathy, BDS
Dentist – Specialize in mouth ulcer treatment
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, 10 yrs exp
Innovative Smile Dental Clinic Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar
Other Locations: Tangi, Khordha, Phulnakhara
Cause of Mouth Ulcer
The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Yet we can say the underlying causes may be the reason for these sores in mouth:
- Certain foods like citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples) can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse.
- A sharp tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting dentures, might also cause canker sores.
- Health condition, such as an impaired immune system; nutritional problems or gastrointestinal tract disease can cause complex canker sores.
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcer
You may have a canker sore if you have:
- A painful sore or sores inside your mouth — on the tongue, on the soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks
- A tingling or burning sensation before the sores appear
- Sores in your mouth that are round, white or gray, with a red edge or border
In severe canker sore attacks, you may also experience:
- Fever
- Physical sluggishness
- Swollen lymph nodes
How to Prevent Mouth Ulcer?
Although there is no cure for canker sores, and they often recur, you may be able to reduce their frequency by:
- Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, including citrus fruits, acidic vegetables, and spicy foods
- Avoiding irritation from gum chewing
- Brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily, which will keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a sore
When to see a Doctor?
You should call your dentist about canker sores if you have:
- Unusually large sores
- Sores that are spreading
- Sores that last 3 weeks or longer
- Intolerable pain despite avoiding trigger foods and taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Difficulty drinking enough fluids
- A high fever with the appearance of the canker sores
Are Cold Sores & Canker Sores same?
Cold sores and canker sores are are not the same. Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. They are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. Also, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth — usually under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin — while canker sores occur inside the mouth.
