Canker sores are also called aphthous ulcers and are characterized as white or yellowish round sores with a reddish border found inside the cheeks, lips, gums, roof of the mouth, or tongue that are painful. They are not contagious and totally different from fever blisters, which are usually seen on the outside of the mouth and can be very contagious.
What can cause these ulcers? It is not completely known what appears to be the cause of these ulcers but some causes/triggers can be spicy or acidic foods, trauma, some autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or certain vitamin deficiencies. They are also seen in higher rates in people on immune suppressant drugs so it may have something to do with our immune response. Overall, about 20% of people will get these at some point in their life although they may differ in the amount, frequency and intensity of these lesions.
Treatment usually consists of avoiding spicey or hot foods, drinks that contain alcohol, acidic fruits like citrus juices and basically going on a soft, bland diet for a few days or weeks until they heal. If there are only a few lesions sometimes a numbing OTC agent like Orajel may help by coating these lesions. If there are multiple, painful lesions sometimes the dentist will give a prescription for a mouthwash such as Magic Mouthwash or BLM Mouthwash that basically contains an antihistamine, numbing agent, and something that coats the lesion to minimize discomfort until they heal. Healing usually will take a few days or a week or so on their own. If they do not heal within a few weeks you should definitely see your dentist for further evaluation.
(The information contained in this article is strictly for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the professional knowledge or advice of your personal dentist.)
