Mouth sores can be painful, annoying and unsightly. Some appear inside the mouth on the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks or palate. Others can appear on the outside of the mouth on the lips, under the nose and on the chin. Here are descriptions of two common types of mouth sores, commonly known as “canker sores” and “cold sores.”
Canker Sores
Canker sores appear inside the mouth. They usually are small ulcers with a yellowish, white or gray center and a flat red border. Rarely, canker sores can be very large with a raised border. There may be one or several ulcers, and they often recur at varying periods.
A canker sore usually begins as a red spot or bump. It may produce a tingling or a burning sensation before other symptoms appear. Canker sores are very painful. Fortunately, most cankers sores heal spontaneously in seven to ten days. If the sore is present longer than two weeks, see us as soon as possible.
The exact cause of canker sores is not known. Genetics plays a role. White blood cells in our immune system may affect the lining of the mouth, causing these irritating, but generally harmless sores. Fatigue, emotional stress and certain foods can increase the possibility of a canker sore for some people. Even biting the inside of the cheek or tingue or chewing on sharp pieces of food can trigger a canker sore. Most canker sores start with some injury, even so minor that you would not notice, in your mouth.
Canker sores are not precancerous. There is no permanent cure for canker sores, therefore, treatment for the discomfort is part of the control. Over the counter topical medications can help numb some of the pain and allow you to get through a meal. Avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods and beverages that can irritate the sore. We have had good results controlling the frequency and the duration of the canker sores by controlling the bacteria in you mouth with the use of an anti-microbial rinse. Let us know if you would like to try this therapy.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are a group of painful, fluid filled blisters. These unsightly sores usually erupt on the lips, and and sometimes on the skin around the lips. Clusters of small blisters also may occur on the gum tissue near the teeth and on the bony roof of your mouth.
Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus Type 1 and are very contagious. The initial infection may be confused with a cold or the flu. The infection can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth, and some people can be ill for a week. Most people who become infected with herpes do not get sick
Once a person is infected with herpes, the virus stays in the body, where it may remain inactive. Unfortunately, in some people, the virus becomes active periodically, and causes the cold sores to reappear. A variety of irritants, such as wind, sun, fever or stress can cause a flairup.
Cold sores usually heal in about a week. Once the blister breaks, an unsightly scab forms. Over the counter topical anesthetics and protectants or anti-inflammatory agents may provide temporary relief. Topical anti-viral agents can speed the healing and can minimize the size and spread of the sores. As with the common cold, there is no cure for these viral infections.
See A Change? See The Dentist!
Not all sores are harmless. Schedule an appointment if you notice any change in your mouth, including pain or discomfort, or the presence of sores in your mouth, even if they are not painful. Sometimes a biopsy is needed to make a diagnosis. We can recognize and diagnose the type of mouth sore or spot in your mouth on the basis of its appearance or location. |
