Canker Sore (Aphthous Ulcer) Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors Show
Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on May 12, 2021 In this Article
A canker sore is a small, shallow open wound (or ulcer) in your mouth that can make eating and talking uncomfortable. They’re also known as aphthous ulcers. There are a few types of canker sores: Doctors don’t know what exactly causes most canker sores. Things that might cause minor sores include:
Things that might cause complex canker sores include:
About 1 in 5 people gets canker sores regularly. They’re more common in women, possibly because of hormonal differences. They may also run in families. Canker Sore vs. Cold SoreCanker and cold sores aren’t the same. Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, a virus causes cold sores, and they’re highly contagious. Also, cold sores typically appear outside your mouth -- usually under your nose, around your lips, or under your chin -- but canker sores show up inside your mouth. You may have a canker sore if you have: Severe canker sore attacks may also cause:
Canker Sore Diagnosis
Canker sores usually aren’t serious. Call your dentist if you have:
They can usually make a diagnosis based on a physical exam and your medical history. They might want to test your blood to see whether a vitamin deficiency or another health condition is causing the sores. Canker Sore TreatmentPain from a canker sore tends to get better in a few days, and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two. Treatment for large, long-lasting, or unusually painful sores might include:
Home treatments to speed healing and help you feel better include: There’s no cure for canker sores, and they often come back. But you might get them less often if you: |