Canker sores
What is it?
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms of canker sores vary depending on the canker sore type:
- Minor canker sores usually don't cause pain
- Major canker sores are less common and can be extremely painful
Diagnosis
Your doctor or dentist can identify Canker sores with a visual exam and without referring you to further diagnostic tests.
Treatment
Treatment usually isn't necessary for minor canker sores. In other cases, treatment may include:
- Mouth rinses - used to reduce pain and inflammation
- Topical products - pastes, creams, gels or liquids to reduce pain. These products usually don't require prescription (over-the-counter drugs). These products may be Anbesol, Lidex, and Peroxyl
- Oral medications - may be used when canker sores are severe and don't relieved with topical products, such as sucralfate or steroids.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
Frequently asked questions
☝ The content of this answer is based solely on historical posts and comments generated by users on Alike. This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always consult with your physicians before making any changes to your medical care or treatment plan.
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