A - Z Encyclopedia
Understanding Canker Sores: Information, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?
- Tingling or burning in the mouth; this sensation often occurs 6 to 24 hours before sores appear
- Small, painful, craterlike ulcers
- Sores appear singly or in clusters on the inside of the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks and lips, on the tongue, at the base of the gums, or on the soft palate
- Usually last 5 to 10 days
- Sores are grayish white or pale yellow with red borders
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your canker sores are extremely painful; your doctor can give you medication to alleviate pain.
- The sores last more than 14 days; this may indicate a more serious condition that needs treatment.
- You have persistent multiple mouth sores, which may indicate an underlying problem, such as a drug reaction or, in rare cases, oral cancer or leukemia.
The Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
