What is a Canker Sore? → A canker sore is a type of small, painful, and shallow lesion inside the mouth that typically appears on the tongue, lips, gums, or inside of the cheeks. It develops without a viral or bacterial infection. These sores usually heal on their own within 7 to 14 days.
What Causes Canker Sores?
- Stress and anxiety
- Physical injury (like biting your lip or a toothbrush slip)
- Hormonal changes (such as during menstruation)
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and folate)
- Food sensitivities (e.g., to chocolate, nuts, acidic foods)
- A weakened immune system
- Family history
- Certain medications
- Underlying conditions (like gastrointestinal or autoimmune diseases)
Have you ever experienced a small, painful sore inside your mouth that makes eating or even speaking difficult? If your answer is yes, you are likely familiar with canker sores. This annoying lesion is something many people experience at some point in their lives. In this article from the Dr. Bonyanian dental clinic website, we plan to explore exactly what a canker sore is, what factors contribute to its appearance, and most importantly, how we can treat it and prevent its recurrence.
What is a Canker Sore?
Canker sores, also known as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, are small, painful ulcers that form inside the mouth, on the tongue, or on the gums. These ulcers are typically round or oval, with a white or yellow center and a red border.
Canker sores can be very painful and make eating and drinking difficult. But that’s not all you should know about them!
- Canker sores are very common, affecting about 20% of the world’s population at least once in their lifetime.
- People of any age can get canker sores, but the condition is most common in individuals between 10 and 30 years old.
- Women are twice as likely as men to develop canker sores.
Types of Canker Sores
Dental professionals classify canker sores into three categories based on their severity and size: minor, major, and herpetiform.
Minor Canker Sores
Minor aphthous ulcers are the most common type of canker sores, appearing as round, white-colored bumps on the lips or mucous membranes of the mouth. These sores are often accompanied by significant pain and burning, sometimes so severe that they interfere with speaking and eating.
Minor canker sores can spread to other parts of the mouth. Therefore, you must strictly avoid irritating them with your hand or tongue. However, there’s no need to worry too much! Despite their inflamed and painful appearance, minor canker sores typically heal within a week to 10 days.
Photo of a Minor Canker Sore:
Major Canker Sores
Major aphthous ulcers are another type of canker sore that, although less common than the minor type, can take up to a month to heal if they occur. In some specific situations, a scar from a major canker sore may remain for a long time, but it will eventually fade over time.
Major canker sores are typically circular and red, and they are much more painful and cause more burning than minor sores. The pain level is often high enough to completely disrupt a person’s ability to speak and eat.
Photo of a Major Canker Sore
Herpetiform Canker Sores
The herpetiform condition, or herpetiform ulcers (which many people mistake for cold sores), is very rare compared to the previous two types. Nevertheless, it is still possible to develop them.
Someone with herpetiform ulcers will experience a cluster of tiny, closely packed sores. This area is extremely painful, inflamed, and causes a burning sensation, requiring a longer time to heal compared to the other two types.
Photo of a Herpetiform Canker Sore
Why Do We Get Canker Sores? | Understanding the Causes
Although canker sores arise for numerous reasons, if we were to categorize the causes of this condition, we could place each reason into one of two groups: external and internal.
Internal Causes of Canker Sores
Internal causes of canker sores refer to factors originating from within the human body. For example:
1. Immune System Deficiency
Sometimes, a deficiency in the immune system can manifest as a visible canker sore. For instance, this can happen when an individual is dealing with autoimmune diseases or has become relatively weak after a period of illness.
2. Hereditary Factors
You might be surprised to learn that sometimes, canker sores develop due to hereditary issues. For example, if your parents have a history of recurrent canker sores, the likelihood of you also facing this condition is very high.
3. Stress and Anxiety!
You may wonder what stress has to do with canker sores. However, it’s important to know that stress can disrupt your entire body’s structure and sometimes lead to very strange and new problems like canker sores!
Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections and diseases, including canker sores. Additionally, stress can cause certain hormonal changes in the body, increasing the likelihood of developing these sores.
4. Sensitivities and Allergies
Due to the immune system’s resistance to certain foods or seasonal allergies, a sensitivity reaction can manifest as a canker sore. Coffee, certain “hot-natured” foods, some spices, and other food items can cause canker sores to form.
5. Oral Thrush
The fungus Candida albicans is one of the pathogenic agents that cause severe sores in the mouth, often referred to as oral thrush. These sores spread as cuts in the mouth and on the cheeks and, if left untreated, can turn into very painful ulcers.
This condition was traditionally known as “barfak” among Iranians in the past.
6. Viral and Bacterial Factors
Sometimes, diseases with bacterial or viral roots can contribute to the development of canker sores. For example, Helicobacter pylori (a well-known bacterium in the development of stomach ulcers and cold sores) is one of the bacteria that can significantly increase your chances of getting canker sores.
External Causes of Canker Sores
If the cause of a canker sore is external, it is likely one of the following:
1. Mouth Injury
If you have recently undergone dental services such as root canal therapy, orthodontics, or dental restoration and developed a canker sore after your treatment was completed, you may be dealing with an external infection or sores resulting from the treatment process.
Sudden injuries to the mouth area can also manifest as canker sores.
2. Smoking
Using all types of tobacco products (such as cigarettes and various forms of tobacco) causes canker sores for the following reasons:
- Weakening of the immune system
- Causing inflammation in the mouth
- Irritating the mouth
- Deficiency of vitamins and minerals
- Dry mouth
3. Medication Sensitivity
The use of certain medications can also cause canker sores. Although these types of sores are temporary and usually heal faster than other types, this doesn’t make them any less painful!
In such cases, you should consult your doctor to see if your medication can be changed.
Symptoms of Canker Sores
Canker sores have very clear symptoms! These painful and annoying spots will quickly become apparent if they form in your mouth. The most important symptoms of canker sores include:
- Small or large, painful, circular ulcers in the mouth
- Fever
- Body weakness
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatment for Canker Sores | Medication for Tongue Sores
Medication use must be individualized and supervised by a qualified clinician; do not self-medicate.
Many people believe that no special procedures are needed to treat canker sores, as the condition resolves on its own over time, after about 1 to 2 weeks.
However, this approach comes with two common problems. First, what if the canker sore is painful and impairs a person’s ability to speak and eat? Should the person be forced to endure pain for 2 weeks?
Furthermore, if the canker sore has an internal and infectious cause, it will naturally recur and may even cause the person to struggle with various types of sores in different parts of the mouth for months!
So, isn’t it better to look for solutions to eliminate canker sores instead of waiting for them to heal on their own?
Fortunately, treating canker sores is not difficult. But on the other hand, there is no definitive, 100% cure for this condition! This means one person’s body may respond to a certain treatment method, while another person may not get a suitable response from the same method.
Nevertheless, here are some of the best strategies for treating canker sores.
1. Rinsing with Medicated Syrups
Using certain syrups, like diphenhydramine, as a mouthwash can both reduce the pain of your canker sore and help it heal over time. To use diphenhydramine for treating a canker sore, you should swish the syrup in your mouth for 2 minutes, twice a day, and then spit it out.
2. Using Steroid Medications
In some cases, a dentist may prescribe oral or topical steroid medications to relieve inflammation and pain. Of course, using this solution is only possible after consulting with and receiving a prescription from a doctor.
3. Using Topical Antibiotics
Since canker sores themselves can have a bacterial component, using topical antibiotic solutions will help treat them. This solution, like the previous method, can only be implemented with a doctor’s prescription.
4. Canker Sore Treatment with Laser
If a canker sore is extremely painful and bothersome, seriously disrupting the individual’s daily life, laser treatment may be recommended.
The laser helps eliminate the microbial agent that caused the sore. In addition to providing instant and immediate pain relief, it also prevents the sore from expanding.
Laser treatment is a short procedure that doesn’t even require local anesthesia. Therefore, if a canker sore is disrupting your normal routine, you can visit specialized dental clinics like the Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic to have your sore treated with a laser.
What Doctor Should I See for a Canker Sore?
If you are dealing with recurrent, painful canker sores and the ulcers inside your mouth do not heal easily, it is best to see a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment. But which doctor can help with canker sores?
General Dentist or a Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Diseases
In 99% of cases, a dentist can investigate the cause of the canker sore and prescribe the appropriate treatment, especially if the sore regularly forms in the same spot on your gum/tooth.
General Physician
If you don’t have access to a dentist or suspect underlying issues like a weakened immune system or vitamin deficiencies, a general physician can also assist in treating the canker sore.
Internist or Gastroenterologist
In some cases, canker sores may be a sign of internal diseases such as digestive problems or autoimmune disorders. In such situations, consulting an internist is necessary.
Dermatologist or Allergist
If there is a possibility of an allergic reaction or a skin problem, a dermatologist or allergist can also be helpful in the diagnosis.
Get Rid of Canker Sores with Specialized Services at Dr. Bonyanian’s Dental Clinic
The appearance of canker sores may never reveal just how painful and annoying these little spots can be! But don’t worry! The good news is that the experienced specialists at Dr. Bonyanian’s Dental Clinic provide comprehensive and specialized treatment to help you get rid of these bothersome ulcers.
At our clinic, we use the latest treatment methods and techniques to treat canker sores. Furthermore, our periodontics specialists will prescribe the best treatment services for you after a thorough examination of your condition.
That’s not all!
In addition to treatment, we also teach you preventive strategies to avoid the recurrence of this unpleasant condition.
What could be better?
Call us today and benefit from the specialized services at Dr. Bonyanian’s Dental Clinic to treat your canker sores and experience a smile free from pain and discomfort.
Best Quick Home Remedies for Canker Sores
This section is for symptom relief only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Below, we will introduce you to 10 of the best methods for treating canker sores.
- Using mouthwashes with sodium bicarbonate or salt water.
- Using a paste made of salt and mouthwash and applying it topically to the sore.
- Using antimicrobial mouthwashes.
- Eating yogurt and placing yogurt on the sore.
- Placing a black tea bag on the sore.
- Placing ice on the sore.
- Applying coconut oil to the sore.
- Applying honey to the sore.
- Using Aftin Gel.
- Placing baking soda on the sore.
Preventing Canker Sores
- Brushing, flossing, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Avoiding spices, spicy foods, and acidic drinks.
- Periodically using mouthwash to rinse the mouth area.
- Taking necessary vitamins for the body, including B-family vitamins, iron, folic acid, zinc, etc.
Best Pain Reliever for Canker Sore Pain
Medication use must be individualized and supervised by a qualified clinician; do not self-medicate.
Using over-the-counter pain relievers will help reduce your canker sore pain. In many cases, these medications not only reduce your pain but also prevent the sore from spreading.
Dr. Bonyanian says:
“The best and lowest-side-effect pain relievers for reducing canker sore pain, which are also highly effective for the rapid treatment of tongue sores, are plain acetaminophen and ibuprofen.”
Canker Sores in Children
The most common reason for children to get canker sores is teething. The process of a tooth erupting from the gum is often accompanied by signs such as sores, fever, and restlessness in the child. Of course, this is not the only reason for canker sores in children.
Other reasons for children developing canker sores include a weak immune system, biting the inside of the mouth, and even genetic factors.
Treatment of Canker Sores in Children
Since the use of some medications and treatment methods is restricted for children, it is best to avoid self-treating your child’s canker sore and to visit a dentist to address this problem.
A dentist can take action for the immediate treatment of your child’s canker sore by opening and draining it.
The Difference Between Canker Sores and Oral Cancer
One of the common questions and concerns of patients visiting dental clinics and offices is the fear of having oral cancer due to the presence of a canker sore!
However, we assure you that in 99% of cases, this concern is entirely unfounded, as the structure, cause, and treatment of these two conditions are completely different.
The table below shows you the differences between a canker sore and a cancerous lesion. However, we suggest that if your canker sore does not heal within a maximum of 2 weeks, you should visit a dentist (even if your symptoms do not resemble those of a cancerous sore) to ease your mind about the absence of any problem.
| Feature | Canker Sore (Aphthous Ulcer) | Cancerous Oral Lesion |
|---|---|---|
| Other Names | Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis | Oral Cancer, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
| Cause | Non-infectious; cause not fully known | Abnormal cell growth |
| Appearance | Small, round or oval ulcers; red, white, or yellow | Larger, firmer ulcers with irregular edges and a large bump |
| Pain | More painful | Less painful initially |
| Duration | 1 to 2 weeks | Heals even without treatment | Persists for months or years |
| Lymph Nodes | Lymph nodes are not swollen | Lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen |
| Other Symptoms | Bad breath and possibly fever | Weight loss, voice change |
| Transmission | Not contagious | Not contagious |
| Treatment | Heals without treatment; dental/home remedies | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy |
Final Summary
Canker sores can affect individuals of any age or gender. Fortunately, this condition is not considered a serious or acute problem, so there is no need to worry excessively about it.
If you are looking for a way to get rid of your canker sore, use the pharmaceutical and home remedies from this article. Also, if you need advice and the expert opinion of the doctors at the Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic, you can enter your information through the form below, and our experts will contact you as soon as possible.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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