Canker sores generally start as one or two tender, inflamed red spots, round or oval in shape, measuring an eighth of an inch wide (mild cases) to more than an inch wide (severe cases). These tender spots soon expand to form sores with a thin, yellowish center and a brisk red edge or halo. The presence of canker sores makes it hard to eat, talk or perform oral hygiene. As the sores heal, the pain also diminishes. Canker sores typically heal without treatment. If the sores are especially large or painful, your dentist or doctor may prescribe a topical anesthetic, a prescription tetracycline mouthwash or a corticosteroid salve. The cause of canker sores remains uncertain but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. What triggers the immune system is unknown.
There is no evidence to indicate that this is an infection due to a virus or other microorganism. Damage to the tissue inside the mouth, such as biting the inside of the cheek, may cause an ulcer in susceptible people. Ulcers in the mouth can occur for many reasons other than canker sores. A doctor can diagnose cankers based on a history of recurring ulcers in the mouth if no other condition is identified that can be causing the ulcers. The history of ulcers will usually start in childhood or early adulthood.
Canker sores are painful areas of ulceration along the delicate inner mucosa of the mouth. The exact causes of canker sores are not clearly understood, but they seem to be linked to genetics, oral trauma, and dietary deficiency. Usually, canker sores will go away on their own after a short period of time, but if they are spreading or painful, a doctor may prescribe topical medication to help reduce the pain and shrink the canker sores. Canker sores are also sometimes referred to as aphthous ulcers.
When canker sores appear, it can be quite painful. Many people treat canker sores at home by taking aspirin to reduce the pain, or applying topical analgesic gels directly to the sore. In addition, if you have an active canker sore, you should avoid eating acidic foods and chocolate, which can aggravate the canker sore. Heavily salted and crunchy foods may also be unpleasant to eat. Some foods, like pineapples and mangos, also contain enzymes which can irritate a canker sore.
If canker sores start spreading, last more than two weeks, or are extremely painful, a doctor should be consulted. Although they are benign most of the time, canker sores can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious medical problem, such as an oral cancer. In addition, a doctor can prescribe more heavy medications to treat painful canker sores and hasten the healing process.
