Canker Sores In Your Mouth

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues of your mouth or at the base of your gums.  Unlike cold sores, they do not occur on the surface of your lips and are not contagious.  They can be painful and make talking difficult.  

Signs and Symptoms:  Most canker sores are round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They form inside your mouth--on or under your tongue, inside your cheeks or lips, at the base of your gums, or on your soft palate.  You may notice a tingling or burning sensation a day or two before they actually appear.  They are more common in women.  

Recurrent Canker Sores

One-third of people with recurrent canker sores have a family history of the disorder.  Minor canker sores are usually small, oval and heal without scarring in one or two weeks.  Major canker sores are less common. They are larger and deeper, have irregular edges and may take up to six weeks to heal and can leave extensive scarring.  Herpetiform canker sores usually develop later in life and are pinpoint in size, often occur in clusters of 10 to 100, have irregular edges and heal without scarring in one to two weeks.  

Source:  Mayo Clinic  

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