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Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers or aphthous ulcers, are small superficial wounds that appear on the oral and labial mucosa, the edges of the tongue, the buccal and lingual grooves and the soft palate. They are oval in shape, whitish in the centre and surrounded by a reddened area. Unlike cold sores, canker sores do not appear on the surface of the lips and are not contagious. However, they are often very annoying and cause problems with eating, drinking and even talking. Most canker sores, even without treatment, disappear on their own within a few days.
It is not entirely clear why canker sores appear, although we know that some people seem to have a greater genetic predisposition to suffer from them. They are also more frequent in older people and children.
As for the causes, they may be:
Accumulation of saliva on the lips: this usually occurs in older people due to wrinkles or also in children who salivate too much due to the eruption of teeth, this causes bacteria and fungi to proliferate.
Very dry and dehydrated lips.
Immunosuppressed people, bacteria penetrate the skin more easily.
Lack of certain nutrients: lack of vitamins A, B or C, zinc or iron can lead to the appearance of cold sores.
Patients with diseases such as HIV or diabetes.
Other aspects such as ill-fitting dental implants, allergies, stress, using make-up that is too abrasive for the skin or environmental causes such as excessive cold can also lead to the appearance of mouth sores.
Viral or bacterial infections
Emotional stress
toothpastes and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulphate
Lack of certain vitamins and minerals (Vit b12, folic acid, zinc or iron).
Hormonal changes, especially in women.
As an effect of trauma or a small wound that brushing or something else may have caused.
Associated with diseases: HIV, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease.
It is normal to feel a slight tingling or burning sensation one or two days before the visual appearance of canker sores. They are often very uncomfortable and the slightest contact with the tongue or a piece of food can cause pain, so that in some cases eating food can become very difficult.
The most common symptoms of canker sores are:
- Burning sensation
- redness and pain in the area when opening the mouth
- Dry, cracked lips
- Although rare, canker sores can lead to fever, malaise and even swollen lymph nodes.
There are different types of canker sores, including minor canker sores, major canker sores and aphthous ulcers.
Canker sores usually go away on their own within a week or two, treatments are to reduce pain and inflammation. There are different treatment options:
Local anaesthetics: to reduce sensitivity to pain.
Lidocaine 2% is often used as an oral rinse every 3 hours or before meals.
Topical anti-inflammatories: to reduce the inflammatory component.
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and carbenoxolone analogues are commonly used. They are used in the form of orally dissolving tablets, gels, rinsing solutions, etc. They usually contain an anti-inflammatory agent.
They usually also contain an anti-infective and local antiseptic that acts against bacteria present in the oral cavity, preventing superinfection.
There are many topical products for canker sores, including some without active ingredients. Ask your doctor or dentist for advice on which product is best for you.
Oral medications are not usually used, except when the patient does not respond to topical treatments. These may include the following:
Medications not specifically designed for canker sores, such as sucralfate which is used as a protective agent for the treatment of intestinal ulcers, and colchicine, which is commonly used to treat gout.
Oral steroid medications, when severe canker sores do not respond to other treatments. However, they are usually a last resort, due to serious side effects.
Although they usually disappear within a few days without treatment, they can be painful. For this reason, there are products that help relieve the pain while promoting the healing process.
The most effective treatment for canker sores is to use a specialised product to soothe the pain (such as Pyralvex or Urgo Aftas) together with a mouthwash to prevent infection and promote the healing process.
The main area where canker sores appear is the mouth, especially on the sides, gums and palate.
Canker sores, known in medical terms as angular cheilitis or angular stomatitis, are sores in the corner of the mouth caused by excessive fungal and/or bacterial growth. They usually present as cracks or fissures on one or both sides of the mouth, causing some pain, redness and peeling at the edge of the mouth.
There are treatments for cold sores that consist of the use of antibiotic and antifungal creams, but it is important to take into account what caused the cold sore so that it does not happen again, such as taking vitamin complexes if it is due to a vitamin deficiency.