Understanding Canker sores: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Canker sores

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

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.

55 people with Canker sores

Learn from others who are experiencing Canker sores.

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.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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