How Does a Canker Sore Start?

General Overview

A canker sore is a type of ulcer known as aphthous stomatitis, and is one of the most common types of painful sores that occur in the mouth. A canker sore is generally more common in adolescents and young adults, but the frequency of the sore diminishes as a person ages. A canker sore should also not be confused with a cold sore, which is a viral infection and usually occurs on the outer lip, while a canker sore occurs inside the mouth. Up to 40 percent of the U.S. population experiences a canker sore at some point in their lives. Canker sores are not contagious.

Causes

The causes of a canker sore vary and may include stress, heredity, bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances, drugs such as ibuprofen, food allergies, iron and folic acid deficiencies, or some type of trauma in the mouth. Some studies suggest an association with peptic ulcer causing bacteria such as helicobacter pylori. There are several reasons that account for the advent of a canker sore, such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. If a person suffers from one of these diseases, the development of a canker sore may suggest a flare-up of the disease. Canker sores start suddenly and without warning as a result of an infection, stress, or sometimes due to a tear in the mouth. Canker sores are also associated with AIDS or HIV infection, however, they should not be confused with a herpes infection.

Symptoms and Treatment

A canker sore is a small bump with a white center that occurs anywhere in the mouth except the lips, gums and hard palate. The sore is extremely painful to the touch and may make it difficult and uncomfortable to eat. However, the sore will usually clear up without scarring within a few days. Some bigger sores may last up to 6 weeks and cause scarring. Types of treatment including rinsing the mouth with salt water or a mixture of Maalox and Benadryl to relieve the pain associated with a sore. Over-the-counter numbing medications also help a person deal with the pain and discomfort. Canker sores often do not require any specific treatment because they go away on their own within a few days.