Canker sore: Causes and treatment
Discover what causes canker sores, and the best treatment options to get rid of them.
Managing canker sores can be uncomfortable. Knowing what triggers your sores and how to treat them is crucial for maintaining a pain-free, healthy smile. At Aspen Dental, we're dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of canker sores with ease and confidence.
What are canker sores?
A canker sore (aphthous ulcers) is a small, shallow ulcer that makes eating and talking uncomfortable. These sores appear as round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border inside the mouth, lips, tongue, inside of cheeks or gums. While they aren't contagious, canker sores usually heal within a week or two.
Causes of canker sores
While the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)¹, they are said to be linked to:
¹Fever Blisters & Canker Sores | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, n.d.
Minor injury
Certain foods
Nutritional deficiencies
Stress
Hormonal changes
Underlying health conditions
Smoking
Canker sore vs. cold sore
Canker sores and cold sores are often confused with each other. However, these two oral annoyances are completely different. Knowing the difference is important when approaching treatment.
Types of canker sores
Symptoms of canker sores
Treatment options for canker sores
Home remedies for canker sores
Salt water rinse
Mixing one teaspoon of salt in a half cup of warm water and rinsing your mouth can help reduce soreness and swelling.
Baking soda paste
Create a paste with baking soda and a little water, apply it directly to the sore. This can help reduce inflammation and neutralize acids that irritate the sore.
Honey application
Honey is known for its antibacterial properties. Applying a small amount of honey to the sore several times a day can soothe irritation and help with healing.
Coconut oil
With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, dabbing a little coconut oil on the sore can reduce swelling and prevent infection.
Chamomile tea rinse
To help prevent canker sores, practice good oral hygiene, avoid irritating foods, manage stress, stay hydrated, ensure a balanced diet with essential nutrients, quit smoking, and protect your mouth from irritation caused by dental appliances.
Preventing canker sores
Managing canker sores involves more than just treating them when they appear; it’s also about taking steps to prevent them from developing in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take to keep canker sores at bay:
When to see your dentist
For the most part, canker sores do not require immediate medical attention, however, consider seeing a healthcare provider if sores are unusually large, persist for more than two weeks, are accompanied by severe pain, or if you experience high fevers. It’s best to keep your oral hygiene in check to keep these pesky sores at minimum.
Canker sore FAQs
How to get rid of canker sores?
Canker sores usually heal on their own within one to two weeks. To ease discomfort, avoid spicy or acidic foods, use over-the-counter oral pain relief gels, or rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution.
Are canker sores contagious?
No, canker sores are not contagious. They are ulcers that form inside the mouth and are not caused by a virus, unlike cold sores which are highly contagious.
Are canker sores and cold sores the same thing?
No, canker sores and cold sores are not the same. Canker sores are non-contagious ulcers that appear inside the mouth, whereas cold sores are highly contagious and usually appear on the lips or around the mouth as fluid-filled blisters. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
How do you speed up the healing of a canker sore?
To speed up the healing of a canker sore, try maintaining good oral hygiene, avoid foods that may irritate the sore, and apply topical treatments such as benzocaine. For severe cases, your dentist might prescribe antimicrobial mouthwashes or corticosteroid ointments to reduce pain and inflammation.
How do you prevent canker sores?
To help prevent canker sores, practice good oral hygiene, avoid irritating foods, manage stress, stay hydrated, ensure a balanced diet with essential nutrients, quit smoking, and protect your mouth from irritation caused by dental appliances.
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Healthy smile, healthy you
Good oral hygiene keeps pesky oral health issues at bay, and keeps your smile shining. Keep your oral health in check with routine care by visiting an Aspen Dental near you!