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Canker sores are tiny, shallow ulcers that can appear anywhere on the mouth, including the gums, tongue, inside lip, and under the tongue. They are not infectious and do not spread from person to person.
Types of Canker Sores
They are classified into two types: painful canker sores, which may appear three or four times yearly and remain for a week at most, and hard canker sores, which are more likely to be experienced by those who have experienced them before.
Causes of Canker Sores
Canker sores are not transmitted through sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not caused by an infection. They can affect everyone, but are more common in women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) compared to men and those assigned male at birth (AMAB). Hormonal shifts may be responsible for the prevalence of this illness.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Canker Sores
Canker sores can be identified through a physical exam by a doctor and a blood test. Treatments for canker sores include over-the-counter medications like benzocaine, mouthwash with dexamethasone, chlorhexidine, or hydrogen peroxide, corticosteroid ointments, and vitamin and supplement recommendations. If the canker sore is severe, cauterization or burning the affected area may be advised.
When Should You See a Doctor for Canker Sores?
Consult your primary care physician or a dentist if the canker sore becomes abnormally large, persists for two weeks or longer, spreads to the lips, severely limits your ability to eat or drink, or causes you to experience fever.
Conclusion
Canker sores usually heal within two weeks, but they can be managed with over-the-counter remedies like rinses and topical ointments. If the canker sores start to spread, contact your doctor immediately, are disproportionately large, last for more than two weeks, interfere with normal activities, or are accompanied by a high fever. Robstown Smiles is here to assist you with this.