Treating Canker Sores

What are canker sores?

Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are common oral health lesions.  They are single, isolated lesions that occur on cheeks, lips, or tongue and are caused by stress, trauma, or food allergies.  They are not contagious.  They are typically small, round, flat, painful sores with very defined borders.  Canker sores differ from cold sores, which are caused by the Herpes virus and are usually external and are contagious.

Canker sore treament

Treatment of canker sores involves pain relief, by applying topical solutions or corticosteroid pastes to cover the lesions and protect them from the environment, reducing pain and helping them heal faster.  Sometimes they can be cauterized, either surgically or chemically, to eliminate the nerve endings that are causing the pain, allowing the lesion to heal normally.  The normal duration of canker sore healing is 7 to 10 days.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309