Mouth Sores
Signs, Symptoms & Causes
Canker Sores
- Small, round, red-rimmed sores with white or gray centers are in the lining of the mouth or on the tongue, gums, or lips.
- Discomfort occurs with eating and talking.
- A burning or tingling feeling can be present.
Canker sores may be caused by any tear in the mouth’s lining. This can be due to an uneven tooth, rough tooth brushing, dental work, a burn from a hot drink or food, etc. A lack of vitamins and minerals, emotional stress, and having a history of canker sores can trigger them. The sores usually resolve in 4 to 14 days.
Cold Sores
- A tingling feeling is on or near the lips for 2 days before one or more sores appear.
- Small, red blisters filled with clear or pus-filled fluid rupture and weep. Scabs form.
Cold sores (fever blisters) are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), either HSV-1 (this is most often the cause) or HSV-2 (the usual cause of genital herpes). This virus lies dormant in the body and can return. A fever, a cold, stress, cold or windy weather, and strong sun exposure are triggers for outbreaks.
Cold sores are contagious, especially when the blisters rupture and weep.
Thrush
- The tongue looks red. The insides of the mouth have creamy white patches. A white coating can be seen inside the mouth and the throat.
- If the throat is affected, it hurts to swallow.
Thrush is caused by a fungal infection. Often it occurs after the recent use of antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Oral Cancer Warning Signs
- Red and/or white patches inside the mouth or on the lip
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that won’t heal
- A lump in the neck
- Trouble moving the jaw or mouth
- A hard time swallowing or it feels like something is caught in the throat
- Loose teeth or a hard time wearing dentures
See a doctor or dentist if you have any of these signs for 2 weeks or longer. Any of these signs may be caused by oral cancer or by other, less serious problems. Don’t wait for something to hurt. Pain is not usually an early symptom of oral cancer.
Treatment
Canker sores heal within 2 weeks. Self-care can help with symptoms and speed up healing. If needed, a mouthwash with tetracycline or a medicated paste can be prescribed.