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Canker sores, also known as Aphthous Ulcers or Aphthous Stomatitis, are a common type of ulcer that occurs in the mouth. Every person has experienced them at some point in their lives. Many people believe they’re caused by excess body heat (pitta) or internal imbalances, but in reality, the exact cause often varies. In this blog, we’ll discuss what canker sores are, why they occur, and when to seek help.
Synopsis
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are the most common oral ulcers that affect humans. These small, round or oval-shaped ulcers tend to appear on the softer parts of the mouth that move, like the tongue, cheeks, lips, and soft palate. They’re usually painful, and most of them are self-limiting and heal on their own within 4 to 5 days.
What makes these ulcers frustrating is how often they reappear. You might think one has finally healed, only for another to show up in the same spot or somewhere new after a period of time. In more severe cases, old ulcers may be healing while new ones appear.
Types of Canker Sores
Canker sores come in different forms, each with its own characteristics. Understanding the type you have can help you manage the symptoms better and know what to expect during the healing process.
1. Minor Aphthous Stomatitis
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This is the most common type, which affects over 80% of people with canker sores.
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The sores are small. They are usually less than 1 centimetre in diameter.
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They typically heal within a week without leaving a scar.
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They are uncomfortable but manageable because they are not severe.
2. Major Aphthous Stomatitis
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These are less common but more severe. Around 15% of patients experience this type.
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The ulcers are larger and often over 1 centimetre. They are deeper and more painful.
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Healing can take 2 weeks or longer.
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These sores may leave scars once they heal.
3. Herpetiform Aphthous Stomatitis
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This is the rarest form, occurring in less than 5% of patients.
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Unlike the name suggests, they are not caused by the herpes virus.
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These occur as clusters of very small ulcers, which are sometimes less than 1 millimetre in some cases. They can merge together to form larger ulcers.
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They usually heal in just over one week.
What Triggers Canker Sores?
The exact causes of canker sores are not known, but researchers and clinicians have identified several common triggers. However, in some instances, they can be a sign of other conditions affecting the body (like a gastrointestinal disease). These factors may increase your risk of developing them or make outbreaks more frequent:
1. Minor Injuries Inside the Mouth
Even small injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth can lead to the formation of canker ulcers. They commonly occur because of:
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Accidental cheek bites
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Aggressive tooth brushing
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Dental procedures
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Ill-fitting braces or dentures
2. Food Sensitivities
These foods can irritate the mouth’s lining or trigger an immune reaction in sensitive individuals. Food that causes cranker sores includes:
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Acidic fruits like citrus and pineapple
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Certain nuts and seeds
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Chocolate, coffee, and spicy foods
3. Stress and Hormonal Changes
Many people report flare-ups during periods of stress or hormonal imbalance. Common experiences that trigger cranker cores:
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Emotional stress
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Lack of sleep
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Hormonal shifts during menstruation
4. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Certain nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy mucosal tissues. A deficiency may compromise your body’s ability to heal and protect the mouth lining. These include:
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Low levels of vitamin B12
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Deficiency in iron, zinc, or folate
5. Underlying Health Conditions
Canker sores may sometimes indicate an underlying health issue, especially if they are persistent or unusually severe. Diseases like:
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Autoimmune diseases
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Gastrointestinal conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
6. Immune System Problems
A malfunctioning immune system may contribute to the development of recurrent ulcers.
When to Seek Treatment for Canker Sores?
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
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Your sores are unusually large or painful
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They persist for more than 2 weeks without improvement
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You experience frequent outbreaks (more than three times a month)
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The pain becomes difficult to manage, affecting eating or speaking
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You develop a high fever along with the sores
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You notice other symptoms like fatigue, rashes, eye irritation, or abdominal pain
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Sores extend beyond the mouth, appearing on other parts of your body
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You're concerned they might be linked to a systemic condition like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
Treatment for Painful Canker Sores
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Category |
Treatment |
How It Helps |
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OTC Products |
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Provides temporary pain relief, protects the sore, and reduces discomfort |
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Prescription (Doctor) |
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Reduces severe inflammation, treats underlying causes, and speeds healing |
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General Care |
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Prevents worsening, promotes healing, and reduces frequency |
Conclusion
Although canker sores may seem minor, they can be annoying and distracting, especially when they keep coming back or take too long to heal. Identifying your triggers and understanding the underlying cause is needed to find relief.
An experienced oral medicine specialist in Bangalore is equipped to diagnose and manage recurrent canker sores with care. Book a consultation today and let our experts guide you towards lasting relief.
FAQ's
No, canker sores aren’t contagious. They aren’t caused by viruses like herpes. So you can’t catch them from someone or pass them on, even if you have open sores.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. It’s believed to be linked to the immune system, specifically when white blood cells mistakenly target the lining of the mouth. They might also be triggered by allergies to certain foods, ingredients in toothpaste, or mouthwash. They are also linked to underlying health issues like Crohn’s disease or nutritional deficiencies, such as low B12 or iron.
Your doctor can usually identify the cause by reviewing your health history. In some cases, blood tests may be recommended to check for vitamin deficiencies or other conditions. Allergy testing may also be suggested if a reaction to food or hygiene products is suspected.
Unfortunately, there’s no permanent cure yet. However, several treatments can alleviate the pain, accelerate healing, and decrease the frequency of their occurrence. These medications can be topical creams or oral medications, depending on the severity.
Keeping a journal of your flare-ups may help you identify personal triggers, such as certain foods or products. Sharing this information with your doctor could lead to a better strategy for managing or preventing future outbreaks.
Some people find relief using toothpastes that are free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that may irritate the mouth. Switching to an SLS-free toothpaste can sometimes reduce how often sores appear.
It’s best to seek help if you experience more than three outbreaks each month, if ulcers never seem to fully heal, or if you notice other symptoms like fatigue, rashes, eye irritation, or abdominal pain. These could be signs of an underlying issue that needs attention.
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