Sores in the mouth are common, often causing concern about their origin. Understanding these oral lesions can help alleviate worries. This article clarifies the nature of canker sores, differentiating them from other mouth lesions and providing guidance on when to seek medical advice.
Understanding Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, painful sores inside the mouth. They appear as round or oval lesions with a white or yellowish center and a red border. These sores commonly develop on soft tissues such as the tongue, gums, the roof of the mouth, or the inner lining of the cheeks and lips.
A tingling or burning sensation often precedes a canker sore, followed by localized pain, making eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable. While the exact cause remains unknown, common triggers include stress, minor mouth injuries (like biting the cheek), hormonal fluctuations, and certain acidic or spicy foods. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron, folate, zinc) are also linked.
Distinguishing Canker Sores from Other Oral Lesions
Canker sores are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not contagious. They differ from other oral lesions, such as cold sores or chancres. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually HSV-1, and are highly contagious.
Cold sores usually appear outside the mouth, around the lips, and present as fluid-filled blisters that break, ooze, and crust over. In contrast, canker sores always form inside the mouth and are not caused by a virus. Another distinct oral lesion is a chancre, a firm, painless sore associated with syphilis. Unlike canker sores, chancres can appear in the mouth but are painless and have a different texture.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Most canker sores are minor and resolve on their own within one to two weeks. However, certain situations warrant consultation with a healthcare professional. You should seek medical advice if a canker sore is unusually large, causes extreme pain, or persists for more than two weeks without healing.
Recurrent canker sores or those accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or other systemic symptoms also warrant professional evaluation. A doctor or dentist can assess the sore, rule out underlying health conditions, and recommend treatments such as topical medications, mouth rinses, or nutritional supplements to alleviate discomfort and aid healing.