Canker Sore (Aphthous Ulcer): What It Is, Causes and Treatment

What are canker sores?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside your mouth or at the base of your gums. They are usually painful and can make eating and talking uncomfortable. Canker sores are not contagious and typically heal on their own within one to two weeks.

Are canker sores an STI?

No, canker sores are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are benign lesions that develop inside the mouth due to various factors such as stress, injury, hormonal changes, or certain foods.

Canker sore vs. cold sore: Are they the same thing?

No, canker sores and cold sores are not the same thing. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop inside the mouth. Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and typically appear as fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. While both can cause discomfort, they have different causes and treatments.

Who gets canker sores?

Canker sores can affect people of any age, but they are more common in teenagers and young adults. They tend to occur more frequently in individuals with a family history of canker sores, those experiencing hormonal changes, or people with certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Stress, injury to the mouth, and certain foods can also trigger canker sores in susceptible individuals.

How common is this condition?

Canker sores are a common condition, with estimates suggesting that around 20% of the population experiences them at some point in their lives. They are more prevalent in certain demographics, such as teenagers and young adults, but can occur in people of any age. While they are generally not serious, they can be uncomfortable and may interfere with eating and speaking for a short period.

What are the symptoms of canker sores?

The symptoms of canker sores can include:

● Small, round or oval-shaped ulcers inside the mouth

● White or yellowish center with a red border

● Pain or discomfort, especially when eating or drinking acidic or spicy foods

● Tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears

● Swelling of the affected area

● Difficulty in talking or eating, especially if the sore is large or in a sensitive location like the tongue or the back of the throat

These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual and the size of the sore.

What causes canker sores?

The exact cause of canker sores is not fully understood, but they are believed to be triggered by a combination of factors, including:

■ Injury or trauma to the mouth, such as biting the inside of the cheek or brushing too hard

■ Hormonal changes, especially during puberty or menstruation

■ Stress or anxiety

■ Certain foods or food sensitivities, such as acidic fruits, spicy foods, or chocolate

■ Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, iron, or folate

■ Weakened immune system

■ Genetics or family history of canker sores

While these factors can contribute to the development of canker sores, not everyone who experiences them will have the same triggers.

Are canker sores contagious?

No, canker sores are not contagious. They cannot be spread from person to person through direct contact or by sharing utensils, drinks, or kissing. Canker sores develop independently due to factors such as injury, stress, or certain foods, and they are not caused by bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted to others.

How are canker sores diagnosed?

Canker sores are typically diagnosed based on their appearance and symptoms. A healthcare provider will examine the inside of your mouth to look for characteristic features of canker sores, such as small, round or oval-shaped ulcers with a white or yellowish center and a red border. They may also ask about your medical history and any recent changes in your diet or lifestyle that could be contributing to the development of the sores.

In some cases, if the diagnosis is unclear or if there are concerns about other potential conditions, your healthcare provider may perform additional tests or take a biopsy of the sore for further examination under a microscope. However, this is not usually necessary for diagnosing typical canker sores.

How do you heal a canker sore fast?

While there is no cure for canker sores, there are several measures you can take to help speed up the healing process and alleviate discomfort:

● Over-the-counter pain relievers: 

Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with canker sores.

● Topical treatments: 

Applying over-the-counter topical medications, such as benzocaine (Anbesol, Orajel) or hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, can help numb the area and promote healing. You can also use a mouthwash containing an antiseptic ingredient like chlorhexidine to help reduce irritation and prevent infection.

● Avoid irritating foods: 

Avoiding acidic, spicy, or rough-textured foods that can irritate the sore can help minimize discomfort and promote healing. Stick to soft, bland foods until the sore heals.

● Practice good oral hygiene: 

Gently brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash can help keep the area clean and prevent further irritation or infection.

● Protect the sore:

 If the sore is in a location where it may come into contact with sharp or rough surfaces, such as braces or dental appliances, consider using dental wax or a protective covering to prevent further irritation.

● Manage stress:

 Since stress can trigger or exacerbate canker sores, practicing stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help prevent future outbreaks.

If your canker sore does not improve within a week or if you experience unusually severe or frequent outbreaks, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

How long do canker sores last?

Canker sores typically last for about one to two weeks, although the duration can vary depending on factors such as the size and severity of the sore, as well as individual healing times. Most canker sores heal on their own without any treatment, but you can take steps to alleviate discomfort and promote healing, as mentioned earlier. If a canker sore persists for more than two weeks or if you experience unusually severe symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

Can I prevent canker sores?

While it's not always possible to prevent canker sores entirely, there are some steps you can take to reduce their frequency and severity:

■ Avoid trigger foods:

 Identify and avoid foods that tend to trigger canker sores for you, such as acidic fruits, spicy foods, or foods containing sharp edges like potato chips.

■ Practice good oral hygiene: 

Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and reduce irritation.

■ Manage stress: 

Stress can weaken the immune system and trigger canker sores in susceptible individuals, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques, may help prevent outbreaks.

■ Avoid trauma to the mouth: 

Be mindful of habits that can injure the inside of your mouth, such as biting your cheek or brushing too vigorously. Using a mouthguard during sports or activities that could result in mouth injuries may also help prevent canker sores.

■ Maintain a healthy diet: 

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, iron, and folate, can help support overall oral health and reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to canker sores.

■ Consider supplements:

 In some cases, taking supplements such as vitamin B12, iron, or folate may help prevent canker sores, especially if you have known deficiencies in these nutrients.

While these strategies may help reduce the frequency or severity of canker sores for some people, it's important to remember that individual responses may vary. If you continue to experience frequent or severe outbreaks despite preventive measures, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

What can I expect if I have a canker sore?

If you have a canker sore, you can expect some discomfort or pain, especially when eating, drinking, or talking. The sore may feel tender or sensitive to touch, and you may notice a tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears. The sore itself will typically be small, round or oval-shaped, with a white or yellowish center and a red border. Depending on the severity, it may interfere with your daily activities for a short period, but most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks without leaving any scarring.

During this time, you can take steps to alleviate discomfort and promote healing, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers, topical treatments, and practicing good oral hygiene. If the sore does not improve within a week or if you experience unusually severe symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You should consider seeing your healthcare provider if:

● The canker sore persists for more than two weeks without improvement.

● You experience unusually severe pain, swelling, or redness around the sore.

● You have recurrent outbreaks of canker sores that significantly impact your quality of life or occur with other symptoms.

● You have difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking due to the canker sore.

● You develop a fever or other signs of infection, such as pus or drainage from the sore.

Your healthcare provider can evaluate the sore and determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary. They may also provide additional guidance on managing symptoms and preventing future outbreaks.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

When discussing canker sores with your healthcare provider, you may want to ask:

■ What could be causing my canker sores?

■ Are there any specific triggers I should be aware of?

■ Is there anything I can do to prevent future outbreaks?

■ What treatment options are available to alleviate discomfort and promote healing?

■ Are there any over-the-counter or prescription medications that may help?

■ Should I avoid certain foods or beverages while I have a canker sore?

■ How long can I expect the sore to last, and when should I follow up if it doesn't improve?

■ Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for that might indicate a more serious problem?

■ Could my canker sores be related to an underlying health condition?

■ Is there anything else I should know about managing or preventing canker sores?

These questions can help you better understand your condition and work with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, canker sores are common, non-contagious ulcers that can develop inside the mouth due to various factors such as injury, stress, or certain foods. While they can be uncomfortable, they typically heal on their own within one to two weeks without leaving any lasting effects. Managing symptoms and promoting healing may involve over-the-counter treatments, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding known triggers. If you have concerns about canker sores or experience severe or recurrent outbreaks, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.