Mouth sores
What are canker sores?
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis) are small, painful ulcers inside the mouth. They may occur on the tongue and on the inside linings of the cheeks, lips, and throat. They usually appear white, gray, or yellow in color, with a red border.
What causes canker sores?
The cause of most canker sores is not well understood, and multiple factors may cause sores to appear. Some possible causes of canker sores include the following:
Injury to the mouth may cause simple canker sores. Injury could be from vigorous tooth brushing, dental work, braces or dentures, or a sports accident.
Acidic foods, including citrus fruits, may trigger a canker sore or make it worse.
How do I treat mouth sores?
These include:
using a rinse of saltwater and baking soda.
placing milk of magnesia on the mouth ulcer.
covering mouth ulcers with baking soda paste.
using over-the-counter benzocaine (topical anesthetic) products like Orajel or Anbesol.
applying ice to canker sores.
No one knows what causes these small, painful blisters inside your mouth. Triggers include hypersensitivity, infection, hormones, stress, and not getting enough of some vitamins. Also called aphthous ulcers, canker sores can show up on the tongue, cheek, even your gums. They usually last a week or two.
Other causes of mout sore include infection, dehydration, poor mouth care, oxygen therapy, excessive use of alcohol and/or tobacco, and lack of protein in the diet. ... Sores in the mouth or on the gums or tongue. Soreness or pain in the mouth or throat. Difficulty swallowing or talking.