What are canker sores?

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  1. American Dental Association
     

    Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border; canker sores appear inside the mouth.

    They are not contagious, but can return frequently and may be only one canker sore or several. Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.

    Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or two. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthwashes may provide temporary relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore. Antibiotics from your dentist and some oral bandages can reduce secondary infection.

    More Related Answers from American Dental Association
    Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border; canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are not contagious, but can return frequently and may be only one canker sore or several. Their exact cause is uncertain but some... More
  2. Dr. Michael Roizen
     
    Dr. Michael Roizen answered:

    While cold sores occur on the outside of the mouth, canker sores (or aphthous ulcers) happen on the inside. People with iron, folate, and B12 deficiencies are more likely to get canker sores, and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in toothpaste triggers them. It takes about ten days for these to go away, but hydrocortizone ointment and keeping the sores clean with antibacterial mouthwash can reduce the duration.

    More Related Answers from Dr. Michael Roizen
    While cold sores occur on the outside of the mouth, canker sores (or aphthous ulcers) happen on the inside. People with iron, folate, and B12 deficiencies are more likely to get canker sores, and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in toothpaste... More
  3. Dr. De Vizio
     
    Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:
    Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are shallow, painful ulcers in the mouth. Usually, canker sores have white centers and red margins, almost like a crater edge. You may get a canker sore on the inside of your cheeks or lips, on your gums, or underneath the tongue. While canker sores may be painful for 4 to 10 days, they usually aren't serious. But if the canker sores are generalized throughout the mouth, there may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
    More Related Answers from Colgate
    Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are shallow, painful ulcers in the mouth. Usually, canker sores have white centers and red margins, almost like a crater edge. You may get a canker sore on the inside of your cheeks or lips, on your gums, or... More
  4. Aphthous stomatitis is a sore that forms inside the mouth. The most common type of aphthous stomatitis is a canker sore. These sores, also called ulcers, emerge on the soft, moist tissues of the throat, cheeks, gums, tongue, or inside of the lips. Aphthous stomatitis causes small depressions in the mouth tissue that are very painful.

    Picture of aphthous stomatitis

    Aphthous stomatitis is a sore that forms inside the mouth. The most common type of aphthous stomatitis is a canker sore. These sores, also called ulcers, emerge on the soft, moist tissues of the throat, cheeks, gums, tongue, or inside of the... More
  5.  Joan Haizlip
     
    Joan Haizlip answered:
    Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that develop in your mouth.  The medical term for canker sores is aphthous ulcers.  Most canker sores go away on their own, but they usually last 7 to 10 days.
    More Related Answers from Joan Haizlip
    Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that develop in your mouth.  The medical term for canker sores is aphthous ulcers.  Most canker sores go away on their own, but they usually last 7 to 10 days. More
  6. Dr. Michael T Murray
     

    Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are single or clustered shallow, painful ulcers found anywhere in the oral cavity. The sores usually resolve in seven to 21 days but are recurrent in many people.

    Find out more about this book: Encyclopedia of Healing Foods
    More Related Answers from Dr. Michael T Murray
    Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are single or clustered shallow, painful ulcers found anywhere in the oral cavity. The sores usually resolve in seven to 21 days but are recurrent in many people. More
  7. Dr. Todd Welch
     
    Dr. Todd Welch answered:
    Aphthous ulcers are most commonly round in appearance with a yellow-gray center and a fiery-red border or “halo.” They are characterized by a tingling or painful sensation anywhere from a few hours to two days before the ulcer/s appear. They may appear during periods of anxiety and stress, when your resistance may not be at its best, and may also be initiated by minor trauma. Canker sores generally persist for a week to ten days and are healed by two weeks, but they can be quite painful and annoying, especially when eating and drinking.
    More Related Answers from Dr. Todd Welch
    Aphthous ulcers are most commonly round in appearance with a yellow-gray center and a fiery-red border or “halo.” They are characterized by a tingling or painful sensation anywhere from a few hours to two days before the ulcer/s... More
  8. Healthwise
     
    Healthwise answered:

    Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth that appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.

    The cause of canker sores is not well-understood but may include injury or irritation inside the mouth, infection, and stress. Minor canker sores heal in 1 to 3 weeks.

    Most people do not need to see a doctor for canker sores. The sores will get better on their own. To relieve pain, you might try over-the-counter medicine or change your diet to bland, soft foods.

    More Related Answers from Healthwise
    Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth that appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious. The cause of canker sores is not... More