What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores can be one of the most worrisome things for those who have to deal with them. Perhaps just as bad as the pain, the embarrassment of having these sores can also lead many people to seek out treatments for canker sores. First, it is important to understand what they are and what can be done about them.

Understanding Canker Sores

Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. They are a type of lesion that appears on the inside of the mouth, usually on the inner cheeks. They are often very shallow and small sores within the mouth. They can also occur along the gum line. In all situations, they are often very painful and uncomfortable, though they may not be as serious as you may initially believe.

The biggest difference between cold sores and canker sores are where they occur. Cold sores occur on the lips whereas canker sores do not. In addition, canker sores are not contagious though cold sores can be.

Canker sores are not a vital problem with the mouth. They can be treated and they often go away on their own. Most of the time, there are no harmful after effects of having canker sores. Treatment options may help to speed up the recovery process, but there is no guarantee that you can prevent them, nor get rid of them for good.

The biggest difficulty with canker sores is that they are painful. This often leads to pain when an individual is eating, drinking or talking. To reduce pain, consider obtaining canker sore treatment that helps to numb the pain. This type of symptom treatment is the best option to relieve pain, though it may not treat the underlying problem.

In many situations, you will not need to do anything to get rid of canker sores. Treatment options can be especially helpful for those who suffer from canker sores frequently or those who have very large or painful conditions. In this situation, seek out your doctor’s help to determine the best course of action.

It is possible that complications can occur, especially when canker sore treatment is not obtained and the condition worsens to an infection in the mouth. In many instances, canker sores will heal over within one to two weeks, sometimes longer depending on the severity of the condition. Seek out the right treatment and improve oral hygiene to improve the overall condition and your overall health.

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