23 Nov, 2008
What’s a Canker Sore? How These Lip Sores Differ From Cold Sores
Posted by: Linda In: Mouth Sores
Many people often confuse Canker Sores with Cold Sores. While both are sores on lips, canker sores are often inside the lips, while cold sores primarily exist externally.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the Herpes Simplex 1 Virus (HSV-1). They usually appear as small, red, painful bumps on and around the lip area and sometimes nostrils. They rarely appear inside the mouth.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small, painful sores inside the mouth that can either be red or have a white coating.
Canker sores most commonly appear on the soft tissue of the inside of your lips and cheeks and sometimes under your tongue. They can appear as a single mouth sore or as a small cluster of sores inside the mouth.
People in their 20s are most susceptible to canker sores, although anyone can experience them.
Are Canker Sores Contagious?
NO! Isn’t that great? Unlike cold sores, canker sores are mouth ulcers that do not spread from person to person.
It’s still a good idea to not share food and drinks while you are experiencing a canker sore, but you won’t infect another person if you do.
What Causes Canker Sores?
No one knows for sure what causes these mouth sores. Doctors have found that canker sores tend to run in families, but that they won’t spread from person to person.
Other experts suspect canker sores are linked to stress, nutrition deficiencies, hormones, menstruation and possibly the foaming agent found in some toothpastes and mouthwashes.
How To Treat Canker Sores
- Over-the-counter medicines are able to numb and reduce swelling of canker sores
- Use toothpaste and/or mouthwash that does not contain SLS
- Apply tea bags to the sores. Appropriate teas include green and black teas.
What To Avoid During Canker Sore Outbreaks
Spicy and acidic foods can irritate canker sores and make them last longer than you’d hope. Try to avoid those as well as any sharp foods that may aggravate and poke the mouth sores. Avoid anything that may irritate the canker sore, including brushing it with your toothbrush.