However, unlike canker sores, cold sores can appear outside of your mouth. Cold sores also appear first as blisters , not inflamed sores, and become sores after the blisters pop. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is carried within your body and can be triggered by stress, exhaustion, and even sunburn. You can also get cold sores on your lips, nose, and your eyes.
Your doctor can usually diagnose a canker sore by examining it. Some symptoms of oral cancer are similar to those of canker sores, like painful ulcers and swelling in your neck.
But oral cancer is often indicated by unique symptoms, including:. If you experience these symptoms along with canker sore symptoms, see your doctor right away to rule out oral cancer as a cause. If your canker sore is left untreated for a few weeks or more, you may experience other, more serious complications, such as:. And contact your doctor even if these complications happen within a week or two of the sore developing.
You can prevent the recurrence of canker sores by avoiding foods that may have previously triggered the outbreak. These often include spicy, salty, or acidic foods. Also, avoid foods that cause allergy symptoms, such as an itchy mouth, a swollen tongue, or hives. If a canker sore pops up due to stress, use stress reduction methods and calming techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. Practice good oral health and use a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums and soft tissue.
Talk to your doctor to determine if you have any specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies. They can help design a suitable diet plan and prescribe individual supplements if you need them. Why do we get canker sores? Other common causes of canker sores:. Hormonal shifts during menstrual cycle A diet lacking in vitamin B, zinc, folic acid, or iron Genetics Sensitivity to chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, or spicy or acidic foods Toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
Do I have a canker sore or cold sore? What can I do about canker sores? Avoid canker sores with these tips: Brush and floss after meals to keep your mouth clean and free of excess foods.
Use a soft toothbrush to prevent irritation to your mouth and gums. Use orthodontic waxes to cover up any sharp edges on braces or other dental devices. Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation. Stay away from hard, scratchy, or crunchy foods like nuts, toast, pretzels, or potato chips for a while. They can poke or rub the sore. Be careful when you brush your teeth. Brush and rinse with toothpastes and mouthwashes that don't contain SLS.
And avoid brushing the sore itself with a toothbrush, which will make it worse. If you have canker sores that do not get better after a few weeks, if the sores keep coming back, or if they make you feel so sick that you don't want to eat, call your doctor or dentist.
He or she may prescribe a topical medicine or special mouthwash to help heal the sores. For medicines that are applied directly to the sore, first blot the area dry with a tissue. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of the medicine, and don't eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to make sure it isn't washed away.
They can certainly be a pain, but in most cases canker sores aren't serious and should go away on their own.
Reviewed by: Rachel S. Schare, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. They can be painful, and may leave scars. These sores may be so uncomfortable that it is sometimes hard to eat or speak. Symptoms You may feel a burning or tingling on your inner cheek, lip or tongue before a sore starts. Each sore takes two to three days to form. The sores are round and shallow. Diagnosis Usually, you do not need to visit a doctor for your canker sores, unless it is the first time you have them.
If your sores become worse over time, or start showing up more often, see your physician or dentist. He or she can do some tests for blood diseases, connective tissue diseases, drug reactions and skin disorders.
Sometimes a biopsy is needed to make sure the mouth sore is not a different disease. In a biopsy, the area is numbed and a small piece of tissue is removed. Then it is examined in a laboratory. Expected Duration Canker sores are painful for 3 to 10 days.
Most go away after 2 weeks. Treatment Only the symptomms of canker sores can be treated. Treatment is meant to make you feel better until the sores heal. Treatment cannot stop you from having canker sores again.
People with larger or very painful sores may need steroid medicines. These are gels or creams that are placed on the sores.
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