Canker sores are easily identified in the mouth; they are a widespread, well-known condition. Show Although they can be very uncomfortable, they are rarely a cause for concern. In this article, we ask if there is anything that can be done to relieve canker sores, and if there are times when they require medical attention. Share on PinterestCanker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common oral health complaint. A canker sore is a type of mouth ulcer, known medically as an aphthous ulcer. Canker sores are one of the most common complaints of the mouth. They can occur at any age but are more likely in younger adults and women. Children as young as 2 years may develop canker sores, but they do not normally appear until adolescence. Although most people only have occasional canker sores, around 20-30 percent of people have recurrent episodes. Canker sores are sometimes split into two categories: Simple canker sores: they appear 3-4 times a year; they generally occur in people aged 10-20, and last about 1 week. Complex canker sores: less common, larger, and more painful. They may last up to 1 month and leave a scar. Complex canker sores are often due to an underlying condition, such as a compromised immune system, Crohn’s disease, or vitamin deficiency. Researchers have not yet provided a scientific explanation of why canker sores develop; however, there are some factors that are known to be involved, including viral infection. The causes of recurrent cases of canker sore – known as recurrent oral aphthous ulcers or recurrent aphthous stomatitis – are also unclear, although there are links with a number of factors including a family history of aphthous ulcers, and allergies. Ulcers are sometimes associated with other conditions needing medical attention, such as inflammatory bowel disease, compromised immunity, allergies, and nutritional deficiency. The following factors are thought to be involved in the development of canker sores:
A report by the United States Surgeon General estimates that up to 25 percent of the general population are affected by recurrent canker sores, noting there may be higher numbers among selected groups, such as health professional students. Canker sores cause local pain and can be easily irritated. In simple cases, these are the only symptoms, although the pain may cause feelings of being fed up with the mouth ulcer. Common features of canker sores include:
In some, more severe cases, symptoms can include:
Canker sores and cold sores are different conditions:
Common canker sores usually heal without the need for medical treatment. More severe or recurrent cases may be eased by prescribed treatments, although these do not “cure” the ulcers. As a general guide, canker sores should be brought to the attention of a dentist or doctor when they:
The good news is that the pain and discomfort of canker sores can be reduced by readily available prescription and non-prescription treatments and home remedies. Simple cases of occasional canker sores are self-limiting; they will heal over and disappear without intervention. No remedies are proven to change the course of canker sores themselves or stop them returning – treatments mostly just reduce pain, discomfort, and complication. Few treatments marketed for canker sores have been through extensive clinical testing. The management of canker sores is focused on treating symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting the healing process by countering secondary effects that could slow this down, such as bacterial infection. Treatments may include steroid mouth rinses, topical anesthetics, antiseptic ointments/rinses, or nutritional supplements. Home remedies for canker soresThe home remedy below is suggested by the U.S. Library of Medicine and can be followed three or four times a day:
So-called alternative therapies may also be worth trying. A review of the management of canker sores written for the journal American Family Physician, listed a number of options, although it noted that there had been no randomized controlled trials to properly test safety and efficacy:
Prescription therapies for canker soresShare on PinterestA doctor may prescribe antibiotics to minimise inflammatory irritation.More severe or persistent cases of canker sores need to be checked by a doctor to rule out associated conditions or to access prescription treatments. Again, any treatments aimed at the ulcers themselves are not certain to change their course, but can ease the symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize inflammatory irritation whether or not a bacterial infection is present. Anesthetics, as well as being available in consumer products for canker sores, may also be prescribed as topical preparations to ease irritation and pain. Some medicines designed for other conditions can sometimes be used. The American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, for example, cites an association between recurrent cases of canker sores and an overactive immune system, so topical immunosuppressant medications may help, such as locally applied cortisone. With a similar mode of action, topical corticosteroids are often considered by doctors; these include clobetasol ointment, dexamethasone rinse, and fluocinonide gel (Lidex). One possible side effect of using corticosteroids against canker sores is a fungal infection in the mouth. Particularly severe or recurrent cases of canker sores may be referred to an oral specialist who might consider systemic rather than locally applied (topical) drugs. These specialists may also be needed to make a more specific diagnosis – some rare cases of recurrent canker sores are diagnosed as Sutton disease, for example. The question of what can be done to prevent canker sores in the first place has no clear answer. However, there are ways to prevent canker sores from getting or feeling worse. Prevent aggravation of canker sores by avoiding:
Why am I getting so many sores in my mouth?Mouth ulcers can sometimes be caused by certain medical conditions, such as: viral infections – including the cold sore virus, chickenpox, and hand, foot and mouth disease. vitamin B12or iron deficiency. Crohn's disease– a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.
How many is too many canker sores?Canker sores are fairly common, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. If you have sores that last longer than 2 weeks or you can't eat or drink because of the pain, call your doctor. Also call if you get the sores more than two or three times a year.
What do recurring canker sores mean?Why Do They Keep Coming Back? A long-lasting or recurring mouth ulcers may be a sign of deeper issues, so it is best to get it checked out by a dentist. However, trauma, vitamin B12 deficiency, specific allergies, and diseases such as lupus, Behçet's syndrome, and Crohn's disease can cause mouth ulcers to reoccur.
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