Canker Sores Symptoms

Canker Sores: Introduction

Canker sores also called aphthous ulcers are tiny sores that form inside the mouth. Such sores are often painful and can occur on the inside of the lips, cheeks, or the tongue.

A common type of mouth ulcer, canker sores can occur due to viral infections, though in some cases, it becomes hard to determine a definite cause.

What are the Canker Sores Symptoms?

The condition may be mild or severe and may vary from person to person. Symptoms of canker sores start occurring as tiny round, red colored spots, generally on parts of the mouth including the tongue and on the insides of the cheeks and lips.

These sore formations usually break open in twenty four hours. Often, they have a thin membrane cover that is whitish or yellow colored with a red halo surrounding it.

Some of the symptoms and signs of canker sores:

• A single, or multiple red bumps or spots that are painful and may develop into ulcers
• The sore is colored white or yellow in the center
• Generally small sores, that rarely become large
• Sore may change color (gray) prior to healing

Symptoms for canker sores which are less common:

• High body temperature (along with canker sores)
• Inflamed lymph nodes
• Malaise (uneasiness, discomfort)

Some individuals are more at risk and develop canker sores symptoms from time to time. Although rare, in severe instances, people find it hard to relieve themselves of sores, even with treatment.

The sores are sometimes associated with the body's immune system. The sores can come up following a wound in the mouth caused due to a dental job or accidental biting of the cheek or tongue.

These sores are non-cancerous and non-contagious. They can sometimes form on base of the gums or on the soft palate. Canker sores can occur to anyone but commonly affect teenagers, and women.

Canker sores usually heal by their own in a week or two and require minimal or no medical care. Nonetheless, sores that are large may require proper medical treatment and heal after a significant period.