Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores: Information, Research, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Comprehensive guide to understanding, treating, and preventing aphthous ulcers and canker sores naturally
An aphthous ulcer, also known as a canker sore, is a type of oral ulcer, which presents as a painful, shallow open sore inside the mouth, at the base of the gums or upper throat. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don't occur on the surface of your lips and aren't contagious.
20%-40% of the U.S. population suffer from them at some point in their lives; most often affecting people in adolescence and young adulthood. They become less frequent as we get older. Women are more often affected than men, which may be attributed to hormonal changes.
Canker sores and cold sores or fever blisters are often confused for each other; but they have important differences. Fever blisters or cold sores typically appear outside the mouth (most commonly around the lips), while canker sores occur inside the mouth. Also, unlike canker sores, fever blisters are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious.
Canker Sore Types & Symptoms
Aphthous ulcers / canker sores are sores inside your mouth - on the tongue, soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks. They usually begin with a tingling or burning sensation at the site of the ulcer prior to its appearance. In a few days, may progress to form a red spot or bump, followed by an open ulcer. The ulcer, may be accompanied by a painful swelling of the lymph nodes below the jaw, which can be mistaken for toothache; another symptom is fever. A sore on the gums may be accompanied by discomfort or pain in the teeth.
Minor Canker Sores
The majority of all canker sores are oval, yellowish or grayish colored lesions with a white center and a red edge or border, between 2-10 mm (up to 1/3 inch) in size. The affected lip may swell. They are painful but clear up within three to 14 days without scarring. It is unusual for them to become infected.
Major Canker Ulcers
Similar appearance to minor aphthous ulcers, but are larger -- more than 10 mm (greater than 1/3 inch) in diameter. They are extremely painful and may take a month or longer to heal. Frequently leave a scar.
Herpetiform Ulcerations
They resemble herpes infections and occur most frequently in adult females. Characterized by small, numerous, 1–3 mm lesions that form large irregular clusters. They typically last from seven to 10 days and heal without scarring.
Additional Symptoms
May include fever, physical sluggishness and swollen lymph nodes. Canker sores commonly come back. Some people have a few outbreaks a year, while others can have them almost all the time.
Potential Causes / Triggers
Common Triggers
- • Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
- • Lack of sleep; sudden weight loss
- • Physical trauma (toothbrush abrasions, dental braces)
- • Chemical irritants or thermal injury
- • Stress and hormonal changes
- • Food allergies (especially cow's milk)
- • Immune system reactions
- • Vitamin deficiencies (B12, iron, folic acid)
Medical Conditions
- • Crohn's Disease
- • Infections (hand-foot-mouth syndrome)
- • Autoimmune diseases
- • Bleeding disorders
- • Cancer
- • Weakened immune system
- • Certain medications (chemotherapy, aspirin, etc.)
Home Treatments
Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two. However, there are things you can do to relieve discomfort and expedite healing and to prevent future outbreaks.
🛡️ Protect the Wound
- • Avoid poorly fitting dentures or braces
- • Stay away from spicy or acidic foods
- • Brush gently with soft-bristled toothbrush
- • Consider using topical ointment as protective barrier
🧪 Natural Remedies
💊 Supplements
- Vitamin B12: 1mg dissolved under tongue each evening
- Lysine supplements: Reduce ulcer growth and speed healing
- Licorice root: Aids in healing process
- Milk of Magnesia: Effective when used topically
Consult Your Doctor or Dentist If...
- ⚠️ You are immuno-compromised (HIV, organ transplant, cancer treatment)
- ⚠️ You have unusually large sores or sores that are spreading
- ⚠️ Sores last 2 weeks or longer
- ⚠️ Experiencing intolerable pain despite treatment
- ⚠️ Having difficulty drinking enough fluids
- ⚠️ Experiencing fever, skin rash or drooling with canker sores
- ⚠️ Sores appear after starting a new medication
Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
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