Canker sores (mouth ulcers, aphthous ulcers)

Canker sores are usually small red swellings or tiny blisters that occur on the membrane which lines the mouth, on the under surface of the tongue, on the gums, and on the soft palate. Occasionally numerous, they may fuse together and become large. The pain may make eating and speaking difficult.

A number of condition may initiate canker sores.These include: injury due to a jagged tooth; lowered resistance due to some illness or from fatigue; emotional stress; nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron; a virus infection such as herpes simplex (cold sores); or a menstrual period. Canker sores affect girls and women more than boys and men. This usually self-limiting disease appears once or twice a year and causes little inconvenience except soreness of the mouth. A mouth ulcers may indicate a more serious problem, such as leukemia or a local malignancy.

what you can do. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water or with an antiseptic mouthwash will relieve the pain. Ointments and lozenges may also provide relief. Avoid any foods that produce discomfort, such as spicy or highly acid foods.



what your physician can do. If the ulcers do not heal within ten to fourteen days, your physician may recommend a steroid preparation or check for a more serious problem.