Are Canker Sores Causing You Pain?

Having a canker sore is not unusual. Approximately 20% of Americans have experienced a canker sore at some point.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are tiny, shallow ulcers that develop in the mouth’s lining. A canker sore initially appears as a red-bordered, white or yellowish mouth sore. They generally have a diameter of less than one millimeter, although they can get as big as one inch.

Canker sores can appear on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, inside of the lip or beneath the tongue. While canker sores are unpleasant and often make talking and eating difficult, they are not contagious or caused by an infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?

Typical signs of a canker sore include:

• One or more painful sores within the mouth
• Small, circular ulcers with a red border that are white, gray or yellow
• Tingling or burning sensations

You may also suffer the following symptoms in severe cases:

• Physical lethargy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

Why Do Canker Sores Develop?

Experts are unsure why some individuals are more susceptible to developing canker sores. However, they have identified various factors that can contribute to the onset of these ulcers, including:

• Acidic foods, like citrus fruits
• Stress
• An inside-the-mouth injury
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen
• Dental appliances, such as ill-fitting dentures or braces

Meanwhile, complex canker sores can appear in people with immune system disorders such as:

• AIDS
• Behcet’s disease
• Lupus
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Furthermore, a lack of iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B-12 or folic acid may contribute to canker sores.

How Long Do Aphthous Ulcers Last?

Even without treatment, the discomfort from canker sores often gets better in a few days, and the ulcers usually disappear in two weeks. However, it is advised to speak with your doctor if you have canker sores that:

• Last longer than two weeks
• Start to spread
• Are abnormally large
• Are accompanied by a high fever
• Interfere with daily activities such as drinking, eating or talking

Schedule an Appointment for Canker Sore Relief

Although canker sores are uncomfortable and inconvenient, they are not dangerous. Most people find relief from canker sores using over-the-counter medications. However, if you still have symptoms after trying these remedies, get in touch with our friendly dental team at Sacramento Emergency Dentist. We can help you eliminate canker sores to resume your daily activities.