It’s easy to think that mouth sores are all the same. However, it turns out there are multiple types — and some are more common than others. As such, good treatment requires being able to tell their differences.
Take canker sores and cold sores, for instance. Here’s a summary of their respective traits and causes and the ideal ways to treat them. Please read it to know the best response the next time you get aching spots near your oral cavity.
What are Canker Sores?
Traits
Canker sores are small, white, oval swellings surrounded by redness. They occur inside your mouth, usually around the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, or soft palate. Before they appear, you may notice a burning or tingling feeling.
Causes
Researchers still don’t know what exactly causes canker sores. Still, they do know that the sores aren’t contagious. You can’t get them by sharing utensils, kissing, etc.
Some possible triggers include:
- Mouth injury
- Deficiencies in vitamin B-12, iron, or folate
- Toothpaste or mouthwashes with sodium lauryl sulfate
- Hormone fluctuations
What are Cold Sores?
Traits
Cold sores are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around the lips. They often group in patches. Plus, they can eventually form scabs that last several days. This sore usually heals in two-to-three weeks without leaving a scar.
Causes
Cold sores are caused by strains of the herpes virus (HSV), usually HSV-1. Said virus is contagious through close contact like kissing, sharing utensils, etc.
Once you’ve had a herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in your skin’s nerve cells and may emerge later as a cold sore.
How to Treat Them
Canker Sore Treatment
Preventing canker sores is difficult due to the lack of knowledge of their causes.
Minor canker sores typically don’t need treatment and disappear on their own within a couple of weeks. In the case of larger sores, over-the-counter creams and gels having benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide can help. If underlying health problems are causing them, your doctor or dentist can work with you on treating those as well.
Cold Sore Treatment
Cold sores are best prevented by finding ways to avoid contracting the herpes virus. They usually fade on their own, but some topical medicines ease symptoms and speed up healing. These latter items include over-the-counter creams and prescription antiviral drugs.
While they’re both painful and aggravating, canker and cold sores aren’t the same. Treating them — as well as the other types of mouth sores — requires knowing their differences. Talk to your dentist for help naming various kinds in the future.
About the Practice
Bell Road Dental Care is based in Phoenix, AZ. Led by Dr. Jafari, their team has been meeting the dental needs of the East Valley for over fifteen years. Their provided services include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency smile treatments. Thanks to their ability and advanced technology, they can give anyone healthy, beautiful teeth. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or by phone at (602)-404-3483.