The exact cause of canker sores is not known. Fortunately, most canker sores heal spontaneously in 7 to 10 days. It may produce a tingling or burning sensation before other symptoms appear. There may be one or several ulcers and they recur at varying periods of time.Ī canker sore usually begins as a red spot or bump. Rarely, canker sores can be very large (major aphthous ulcers) with a raised border. They usually are small ulcers (minor aphthous ulcers) with a white, yellow or gray center and a flat red border. Canker SoresĬanker sores appear inside the mouth. Have your dentist examine any mouth sore or spot that fails to heal within two weeks. That’s why regular dental checkups are important. For example, oral cancer may not be painful at first, but it can be deadly. However, some sores or spots can be serious and need the attention of your dentist or physician. Most are harmless and will disappear or remain unchanged. Some people may experience occasional discolored, painless spots in their mouth. Certain specific skin, oral or systemic diseases.Īlthough there are many types of mouth sores, the most common are canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia (a thick white or gray patch) and candidiasis or thrush (a fungal infection).Medication, cancer treatment side effects or reaction to therapy.Extreme sensitivity to ingredients found in some toothpastes or mouth rinses.Loose orthodontic wires or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.

Irritations, such as dentures that no longer fit properly and rub against tissues.Mouth sores can be caused by oral cancer or bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Others, like cold sores, can appear outside the mouth, such as on and around the lips, under the nose and on the chin. Some appear inside the mouth - on the gums, tongue, lips, cheeks or palate (roof of the mouth). Mouth sores can be painful, annoying and unsightly.

Ehat causes sores ontour tongue