Oral ulcers can appear on the gums, lips, or inner cheeks due to bacterial infections, burns, injuries, or viral infections. Canker sores are not contagious and caused by irritation or infection of oral tissue, while cold sores are contagious and caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most oral ulcers heal in less than two weeks, but severe cases require medical attention. Cold sores can be treated with topical creams and antiviral medications, while canker sores can be treated with topical medications and vitamin supplements.
An oral ulcer is a sore that emerges on the gums, lips, or inner cheeks of the mouth. An open sore can appear for a variety of reasons, including a bacterial infection, a burn, an injury, or a more serious viral infection such as the herpes simplex virus.
Many types of oral ulcers can be treated at home with regular brushing, rinse and topical pain relievers. Cold sores caused by herpes infections are usually treated with prescription or over-the-counter topical creams and antiviral medications. With treatment, most oral ulcers heal in less than two weeks, but particularly prolific, long-lasting, or painful sores should be examined by a doctor.
A canker sore is an oral ulcer that is not the result of a virus and is not contagious. This type of open wound is caused by irritation or infection of the oral tissue. A person can experience a canker sore if they accidentally bite their inside cheek, burn their tongue with a hot drink, or have an allergic reaction to food. Bacteria that builds up in the mouth from food or due to poor oral hygiene can infect sensitive tissue, causing inflammation and eventually oral ulcers. Diseases that affect the immune system can also lead to mouth ulcers, such as HIV and Crohn’s disease.
Canker sores are usually small and cause only minor discomfort. Large lesions, however, can be painful and very sensitive to food and drink. Most cases of canker sores go away on their own in about two weeks with regular brushing and rinsing. More severe oral ulcers, which can last for several months, are typically treated with topical medications that reduce inflammation and promote healing. Depending on the cause of the major canker sores, a doctor may suggest vitamin supplements to boost the immune system or medications to treat underlying illnesses.
A cold sore is a contagious oral ulcer that usually appears on the outer lip. A person usually notices a tingling sensation a day or two before a sore physically begins to appear. A red blister develops, ruptures, and tends to ooze clear or white pus. The blister forms as it begins to heal and usually goes away in about ten days without treatment. However, because cold sores can be unsightly and annoying, many people try to treat it right away.
Over-the-counter topical creams can be used to dry out cold-sore blisters and promote faster healing. People experiencing frequent or severe outbreaks may seek specialized care and preventative information from their doctors. A doctor might prescribe a high-strength topical medication or antiviral pills to boost the immune system and suppress herpes outbreaks. The herpes simplex virus is incurable, and sufferers often experience cold sore outbreaks sporadically throughout their lives.
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