Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are superficial lesions that develop in the mouth. In contrast to cold sores, cankers are not found on the lips and are not contagious. However, they can be painful when eating, talking, and brushing teeth. In general, canker sores usually go away in a week or two. Here are the symptoms, types, and treatment options for stubborn canker sores:
1. Symptoms associated with canker sores
Canker sores usually appear to be round or oval in shape and have a yellow or white center with a thin red border. They usually form on the inner side of the mouth, including on or below the tongue, on the inside wall of the cheeks or lips, on the soft palate, and at the base of the gums. Canker sores tend to cause a tingling or burning sensation at these spots a day or two before they actually occur.
2. Types of canker sores
There are quite a few types of canker sores, and they normally range between the minor and major forms:
- Minor canker sores: One of the most common forms of canker sores, they tend to be small in size, bear an oval shape along a red edge, and do not scar in the process of healing within a week or two.
- Major canker sores: These are not that common and end up appearing larger and deeper into the mouth lining. They also exhibit round and defined borders which tend to develop irregular edges as they become larger, and can cause more pain. These types of sores usually take about 6 weeks to heal and can easily end up leaving scars.
- Herpetiform canker sores: This is one of the least common forms of canker sores, and they tend to develop at the later stages in life. However, in spite of a popular misconception, they are not caused by any form of herpes virus infection. This type of canker sores is usually pinpoint-sized and occurs in the form of 10 to 100 sores that form a cluster and end up merging into a single large ulcer. They exhibit very irregular edges and end up healing without scars in a week or two.
3. Treatment for canker sores
In the event that you have canker sores that are large and very painful without any sign of healing, it is best to get the area checked by a dentist. Some home remedies include using alum powder, doing a saltwater or baking soda rinse, or zinc lozenges. A dentist may recommend using a mouth rinse that has a steroid or painkiller in it, a topical steroid, or nutritional supplements if they think diet is the cause of your canker sores.
