How to Tell the Difference Between Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can appear at any time. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and canker sores are a kind of mouth ulcers. Once you know these details, you can tell the difference between cold sores and canker sores.
Instructions
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1
Note the location of the sores. Canker sores occur inside the mouth, on the tongue, lining of the cheeks, inner part of the lips and on the throat but not over a bone. Cold sores occur outside of the mouth on the border of the lips or inside over the bone, on the roof of the mouth or on the gum tissue. Other ulcers are located inside the cheeks or gums.
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Determine the size and quantity. Canker sores usually measure less than 0.5 cm in diameter and usually only one occurs at a time along with cold sores. One big difference in these is that other ulcers can occur in clusters.
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3
See how long the sore lasts. Canker sores heal within 3 to 10 days while cold sores and other mouth ulcers can take about 7 to 14 days to heal. Some mouth ulcers may go away sooner if the source of the ulcer is treated.
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Check out the appearance. Canker sores burst after 24 hours and become covered in a yellowish or gray coating with a bright red exterior. Other mouth ulcers are red or yellow in color. Cold sores are red fluid-filled blisters.
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Figure out the cause to note a difference. Cold sores are caused by a virus and mouth ulcers are caused by damage to the mouth, cheek or gum from a toothbrush or the teeth. Canker sores appear for various reasons related to a person's immune system.
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Tips & Warnings
Cold sores are very contagious when anyone comes in direct contact with the blister. To prevent spreading the virus, wash hands thoroughly and avoid skin-to-skin contact until it is gone.
