Sometimes it happens when youre eating and, suddenly, you bite the side of your cheek.
Or maybe you have acanker sore one painful enough that it makes enjoying a meal difficult.
You wouldnt be alone.
Cold sores also calledfever blisters are caused byherpessimplex virus 1.
You might hear them called oral herpes, and they occur around and in the mouth.
Unlike cold sores, canker sores, which occur mainly inside the mouth, aren’t contagious.
Heres what you oughta know and what to do about these mostly harmless lesions.
The first thing to do is to identify the problem, since there are many different types of sores.
You may also see white patches or pus in your mouth.
Youll know you have a canker sore if you see a red ring around a white or yellow center.
They tend to be small less than 1 millimeter but may be up to 1 inch in diameter.
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Cold sores are blisters filled with fluid.
you might often feel a cold sore coming on before they show up.
Youll feel some tingling or burning in the area, or you might feel a sore throat.
Related:How Do I Know if I Have Herpes or Something Else?
If the sore is deep, or if it gets irritated or infected, it may also bleed.
Gum disease and inflammation can also cause bleeding in and around the gumline.
Biting your tongue or chewing your lips can cause pain, swelling, and even small cuts.
While cold sores are triggered by a virus, the exact cause of canker sores is unknown.
But there are several things that can trigger an outbreak.
These include food allergies, stress, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, or even spicy foods.
Acidic fruits and vegetables may also trigger canker sores.
Often, people with recurrent canker sores have a family history of the disorder.
They are also linked to rheumatologic conditions like lupus.
(See below for other related conditions.)
How Are Mouth Lesions Diagnosed?
double-check to contact your doctor if youre experiencing a fever.
But complex canker sores last longer, may take several weeks to heal, and may cause scarring.
Medicated lip balms, especially those formulated for herpes 1 and canker sores, can also help.
Lidocaine is another pain-reducing option.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Baking sodarinses might help to alleviate pain.
Applying ice, cold towels, or cooling ointments to afflicted areas may also soothe discomfort.
As can applying small amounts of milk of magnesia on canker sores a few times a day.
And while it may be tempting, try not to touch them.
If you do, wash your hands.
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Complications of Mouth Lesions
Research and Statistics: Who Has Mouth Lesions?
The bulk of her practice has been in the public health setting.
She attended the University of Notre Dame, where she was a science pre-professional studies major.
Dr. Simpson has completed two leadership programs.
In an American Dental Association program, she started a tooth-brushing program at an elementary school in Indianapolis.
Derrow also covers health for New York Presbyterian/Weill-Cornell Hospital in New York City.
She has ghost edited a number of health books and health-related memoirs.
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
