The 411 on Canker Sores

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful little sores that can make eating and talking difficult. These shallow lesions occur in the mouth’s soft tissues or at the base of the gums. Cold sores are different, as they occur on the surface of the lips. Canker sores are also not contagious. In most situations, they disappear in a week or two but sometimes such a sore can be larger than usual or it may not heal on its own. They can also be very painful.

These sores can be round or oval and usually have a white or yellow center with a red border. They can develop on or under the tongue, inside the cheeks or lips or on the soft palate of the mouth. Sometimes they form on the base of the gums. There are various types of canker sores.

Types of Canker Sores

Among the several types of canker sores are minor, major and herpetiform.

• Minor canker sores are the most common. This type is usually a small, oval shaped sore with a red border and will heal within one or two weeks.
• Major canker sores are not as common. This type of canker sore is larger and deeper. When they are very large, they may have irregular edges. This type of canker sore can also be very painful and takes longer to heal. Sometimes they make take up to six weeks to disappear and they leave extensive scarring, unlike the smaller versions which do not scar.
• Herpetiform canker sores are rare and usually develop on older people. These small sores are not caused by the herpes virus. Though they are as small as a pinpoint, they occur in clusters with as many as 100 of them clumped together. Sometimes the merge into one large ulcer. This type of canker sore also has irregular edges and like the minor sores, they usually heal quickly without scarring.

When to See Your Dentist

Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or a dental appliance can trigger the development of a canker sore. This is a situation your dentist will need to remedy. You should also get help if:

• the canker sore is very large
• outbreaks are frequent
• the sores last more than two weeks
• they extend into the lips
• nothing you do controls the pain
• you have problems eating or drinking
• you have a high fever

Canker sores can be uncomfortable and very painful. There does not seem to be a precise cause, but it does seem like several factors combined can contribute to their development. Some diseases or medical conditions can also cause them to develop.

If you are experiencing pain from a canker sore that is persistent, make an appointment with Sacramento Emergency Dentist for diagnosis and treatment. We are here for all your dental emergencies.