Everything You Need to Know About Canker Sores
Canker sores can be a real pain in the mouth. But, they're not contagious, and they usually heal on their own in a week or two.
Jan 28, 2019
Jul 07, 2020
Your HealthStacey Feintuch is a Blogger, Freelance Writer, Public Speaker and Young-ish Widow
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Anything with the word "sore" in its name typically isn't fun. And such is the case for canker sores.
Canker sores develop inside the mouth (inside your cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, on or under your tongue) as small white or gray sores with a red border. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation a day or two before the sores appear. You may get one sore or several.
Yes, they may be painful. But, fear not—they aren't contagious, says the American Dental Association.
Causes
It's uncertain exactly what causes them. Some believe that immune system problems, viruses or bacteria may be involved. Certain toothpastes and mouth rinses may cause them. Food sensitivities may be to blame, particularly to coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, chocolate and acidic or spicy foods. They may also occur because of certain conditions and diseases like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases or HIV/AIDS.
Risk factors
Anyone can get canker sores. But teens and young adults are prone to them. And they're more common in females. People with recurrent canker sores often have a family history of them.
Types
A few types of canker sores exist.
Treatment
Canker sores usually heal on their own after one or two weeks. Home treatments include rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water or baking soda rinse and avoiding foods that are spicy, acidic or abrasive, which can irritate the sore. (Learn more about how toavoid canker sore pain.) also There are gels, creams, pastes and liquids. Look for these active ingredients:
When to get help
Contact your health care professional if any of these conditions exist:
Your health care professional may prescribe a mouth rinse containing a steroid to reduce pain and inflammation or lidocaine for pain management. If topical treatments aren't effective, your HCP may suggest nutritional supplements, such as folate, vitamin B-6 or B-12 or zinc, or may prescribe oral medications. Your HCP also can cauterize sores using an instrument or a chemical substance.