Common Mouth Sores
They are annoying & Painful & there are plenty of things that can cause them such as bacterial, viral or fungal infections. A loose orthodontic wire, a denture that doesn’t fit, or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling may also be the culprit. Mouth sores may be symptoms of a disease or disorder. Your dentist should examine any mouth sores that last a week or longer. Among the most common mouth sores are:
Canker Sores: Small ulcers with a white or gray base & a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth & they are not contagious. There may be only one canker sore or several & they do often return. Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved. Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the liklihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development.
Treating Canker Sores: They usually heal on their own after a week or two, but an outbreak may occur. Over the counter topical anesthetics & antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporay relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore.
Cold Sores: Annoying & painful, cold sores also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips & sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious. The intial infection (primary herpes), which often occurs before adulthood, may be confused with a cold or flu & can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth.
Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body & causes occasional attacks. For some people, the virus remains inactive. Recurring herpes lesions look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters (cold sores) that most commonly appear around the edge of the lips. An attack may follow a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions ore emotional upset.
Treating Cold Sores: Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over the counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.