Information From Your Health Care Provider

CANKER SORES

(Aphthous Ulcers)

Basic information

description

Canker sores are painful ulcers (sores) that occur in the lining of the mouth. They cannot be spread from one person to another. They may be confused with herpes infections. Canker sores affect both sexes, but are more common in women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Ulcers are small, very painful, shallow, and covered by a gray membrane. Borders are surrounded by an intense red halo.
Ulcers appear on lips, gums, inner cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat. Usually, 2 or 3 ulcers appear during an attack. As many as 10 to 15 ulcers is not uncommon.
Ulcers may be so painful during first 2 or 3 days that they interfere with eating or speaking.
Sometimes there is tingling or burning for 24 hours before the ulcer appears.
In severe cases, fever, tiredness, or swollen lymph nodes may occur.

causes

Exact cause is unknown.

risk increases with

Emotional or physical stress, anxiety, or premenstrual tension.
Injury to the mouth lining caused by rough dentures, hot food, toothbrushing, or dental work.
Irritation from foods, such as chocolate, citrus, acidic foods (e.g., vinegar, pickles), salted nuts, or potato chips.
Changes in the body's immune system.
Family history of canker sores.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Brush teeth at least twice a day. Floss regularly to keep the mouth clean and healthy.
Avoid risk factors where possible.
Pay attention to your diet and when canker sores develop. Don't eat foods that seem to trigger the sores.

expected outcomes

Most will heal on their own in 2 weeks. It is common for them to recur. Recurrence can vary from a single canker sore 2 or 3 times a year, to frequent episodes of many sores.

possible complications

Rarely, dehydration may occur if eating and drinking are limited by the pain of the canker sores.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Usually all that is needed for treatment is self-care.
If you are concerned about the sores, see your health care provider. Canker sores can normally be diagnosed by an exam of the mouth. A culture of the sores may be done to rule out herpes infection.
Rinse the mouth 3 or more times a day with a salt solution (1/2 teaspoon salt to 8 oz. water) if this isn't painful. You may try dabbing milk of magnesia on the canker sore several times a day. It can help relieve pain.
If a canker sore is caused by a rough tooth, braces, or dentures, consult your dentist. The sore won't heal until the cause is treated.

medications

Nonprescription topical products are available that can help relieve canker sore discomfort.
You may be prescribed an antibacterial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment or rinse, a solution to control pain and irritation, or other drug therapy.

activity

No limits.

diet

Avoid foods that irritate the sores. Drink lots of fluids. If possible, eat a well-balanced diet while healing.
To avoid pain, sip liquids through straws. Foods that cause the least pain are milk, liquid gelatin, yogurt, ice cream, and custard.

notify our office if

You or a family member has canker sores that don't improve in 2 weeks.
Other symptoms occur at the same time as canker sores.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.