                   |
 Canker SoresCanker sores or aphthous ulcers that occur in the mouth may be difficult to distinguish from fever blisters. The difference is that canker sores cannot be spread, but fever blisters can. Canker sores are small shallow ulcers occurring on the tongue, soft palate, or inside of the lips and cheeks. They are quite painful and usually last 5 to 10 days. The best available evidence suggests that canker sores result from an altered local immune response associated with stress, trauma or local irritants such as acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and some nuts. Canker sores cannot be spread because they are not caused by an infection. Treatment for canker sores is to relieve discomfort and guard against infection. For severe symptoms, a topical steroid preparation can be helpful. Unfortunately no cure exists at present. Canker sores usually heal quickly on their own, However, any mouth lesions that do not heal within two weeks should be evaluated by your doctor, as this may be the first sign of an oral cancer. |