Canker sores (mouth ulcers)

Overview

Canker sores form on the inside of the lips and cheeks, the tongue, or the gums. They're different from cold sores, which are on the outside of the lips and are caused by a virus.

Triggers include a bite or scrape, stress, acidic or spicy foods, and some toothpastes.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Mouth sores
• Pain when eating or talking

Less common

• Tingling before the sore appears

When to get medical care

Causes

Unknown, but triggered by mouth injury, stress, hormones, some foods, and low vitamins. Some diseases, like celiac or Crohn's, cause them.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Teens and young adults
• Family history
• Stress

Possible complications

• Mouth sore that won't heal: Needs a check

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional or dentist can tell by looking.

Questions you may be asked

• How often you get them
• Other symptoms like belly problems

The exam

A mouth exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood tests: If sores keep coming back, for low iron, B12, or folate.

Treatment

Most heal on their own. You can ease the pain.

Self-care

• Rinse with salt water
• Avoid spicy, sour, and crunchy foods
• Use a soft toothbrush
• Try a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent them:

• Avoid trigger foods
• Brush gently

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dentist or an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Canker sores heal on their own but may come back.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need blood tests?
• What can prevent them?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Canker sores (mouth ulcers)