When it comes to mouth health there are two main concerns just about everyone shares, cold sores and canker sores. While there are a few similarities between the two, there are many differences to be taken into account as well. Let’s take a look at the similarities first.

• Affect the mouth area
• Are painful and unpleasant

Both cold sores and canker sores are located in the mouth area. Cold sores tend to make their presence known on the outside of the mouth. Anyone who suffers from these sores will tell you that they hurt. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are visible to everyone else and often make the sufferer feel less than confident. Canker sores make their home inside the mouth and affect the gums, under the tongue, and the insides of the cheeks. At least with canker sores they aren’t visible unless you count that pain filled expression on a person’s face when they eat or drink.

That about covers it for similarities between cold sores and canker sores. The differences are important to be aware as well. Take a look at these common conditions are independent of the other.

• Causes of the sores
• Contagious factor

When it comes to the causes of cold sores versus canker they couldn’t be any different. Maybe. The fact is that no one, even the experts are sure why and how some canker sores exist. In other words their cause isn’t known. There are some really good theories, but nothing concrete has been determined. Cold sores on the other hand, have a very well known cause. They are caused from one of the herpes viruses. Once you get this virus, it stays in your body permanently and the cold sores can reoccur any time they want. How’s that for a pleasant thought? The good news is that the cold sores are as bad as it ever gets. There is no further health risk from the virus.

There is good news and bad news on the contagious factor front. Obviously as they are caused by a virus, cold sores can be passed from person to person. Drinking after an affected person or even closer physical contact can pass the virus. Canker sores are fortunately not able to be passed. To be one the safe side, hand out a questionnaire to all of your potential dates. Cold sores- no, canker sores- yes.