After eating a yummy meal, you notice a sting in your mouth. As days go by, you notice the sting becoming more painful, and white, grayish sore appears in your mouth. Don’t panic–these sores, known as canker sores, are very painful, but also very common and usually heal on their own. However, to know when to seek help from a medical professional, we must first understand the ins and outs of canker sores.

 Introduction to Canker Sores

What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that typically appear inside the mouth—on the tongue, the inside of the lips, cheeks, or the roof of the mouth. Unlike cold sores (which are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious), canker sores are not contagious. They can range in size from small, minor sores (usually less than 1 cm in diameter) to larger, more severe ones, and can even involve multiple sores at once.

Types of Canker Sores

• Minor Canker Sore: These are small (less than 1 cm) and usually heal within a week or two with little to no scarring.
• Major Canker Sore: Larger, deeper sores that may take several weeks to heal. They are usually much more painful and can cause scarring.
• Herpetiform Canker Sores: These are clusters of numerous small sores, often appearing in groups.

Healing Time and Treatment

While canker sores usually heal on their own, they can be very painful and disruptive to everyday life. Over-the-counter treatments like OraCoat CankerMelts can offer fast and long-lasting relief, helping to speed up the healing process.

Common Symptoms of Canker Sores

• Visible Sores: Small, round ulcers with white, gray, or yellow center, surrounded by a red border.
• Pain: Canker sores can be extremely painful and often disruptive to everyday tasks. They can make it painful to talk, eat, or drink, especially if the sores are located on the tongue, inner cheeks, or lips.
• Burning or Tingling: Some people experience a tingling or burning sensation before a canker sores. This can be an early sign of an impending sore.
• Severe Symptoms: If symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, or unusually large sores develop, it could indicate a more serious complication. Seek medical attention.

Causes of Canker Sores

• Mouth Injury: Accidental biting of the inside of the cheek, brushing too hard, or dental procedures can trigger canker sores. Many times this can happen while eating certain foods.
• Braces and Dentures: New braces or dentures can irritate the inside of the mouth, causing sores to form. As these appliances can cause abrasions in the cheeks, be cautious after receiving them.
• Stress and Hormones: Stress and hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, can trigger outbreaks of canker sores. While sometimes not an obvious cause, major life events causing stress can lead to these painful sores.
• Food Sensitivities: Certain foods–spicy, acidic, or salty–can provoke canker sores. Common culprits include citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee, strawberries, and nuts.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron, may contribute to canker sore development.
• Immune System Conditions: Conditions like lupus, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis are linked to recurrent canker sores.
• Genetics: Family history can also play a role in how susceptible someone is to developing canker sores.

Treatment Options

OraCoat CankerMelts

OraCoat CankerMelts are a fast and effective solution for managing the pain and discomfort of canker sores. These stick-on melts contain 15mg benzocaine, which provides local pain relief, as well as hyaluronan and Vitamin E, which help promote tissue repair and soothe irritation.

The melts adhere to the gums next to the sore for 2-4 hours, offering continuous relief and helping the sore to heal quicker. Unlike gels or mouthwashes, OraCoat CankerMelts are easy to use, discreet, and provide directed, specific treatment to the sore, providing long-lasting comfort during the day or night.

Other Treatment Options

• Mouth Rinses and Gels: Over-the-counter mouth rinses with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine can help cleanse the affected area. Topical gels containing benzocaine can also numb the area and provide temporary relief.
• Corticosteroids: For severe cases, corticosteroid ointments may help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
• Home Remedies: Avoid trigger foods, practice good oral hygiene, and stay hydrated to avoid developing canker sores. Some people find relief by using salt water rinses or applying aloe vera gel to the sore.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the sore doesn’t heal within two weeks, or if there is a significant pain, fever, or difficulty eating or drinking, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Large canker sores that extend to the lips require immediate medical attention, as this could be a signal of a more serious health complication.