However, you may want to seek treatment for sores that fail to heal after 14 days.
It presents possible causes of canker sores and ways to tell them apart from other types of mouth sores.
Types of Canker Sores
Not all canker sores are alike.
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Canker sores all occur in the mouth, but they may be classified as minor, major, orherpetiform.
The size can vary, but they are typically between 1/3 inch and 1/2 inch.
They are also sometimes referred to as simple canker sores.
Although painful, minor canker sores are often fully healed within two weeks.
In many cases, these sores begin in adolescence and become a chronic, lifelong condition.
These account for 10% of canker sores.
Where minor canker sores are typically round and symmetrical, major canker sores often have irregular, oddly-shaped borders.
On rare occasions, this bang out of canker sore can leave behind a scar.
Major canker sores may also be referred to as complex canker sores.
Hundreds of pinhead-sized lesions can be involved.
Herpetiform canker sores may last from one week to one month.
These canker sores can look like a herpes outbreak, but the herpes virus is not involved.
The cause is unknown but they tend to occur later in life.
Herpetiform canker sores represent 5% of aphthous ulcer diagnoses and tend to affect younger adults.
Canker sores can become quite painful, especially when eating, drinking, and talking.
In some cases, they can be brought on by an STI.
If they do, they may respond toat-home remedieslike a saltwater-and-sodium-bicarbonate mouth rinse.
Or, you might mix Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl liquid in equal parts.
Swish the mixture in the mouth for about one minute and then spit out.
Medications
Over-the-counter options include topical numbing agents like Anbesol (benzocaine).
When severe, prescription drugs may be needed.
Over-the-counter oral pain gels are also available to help ease symptoms.
For example, improperly fitting dentures or broken teeth should be repaired.
They also can help to address any vitamin deficiencies that may be part of the problem.
Stress management techniques may also help as stress can lead to canker sores in some people.
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