HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Canker sores
Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth that appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.
The cause of canker sores is not well-understood but may include injury or irritation inside the mouth, infection, stress, inheritable conditions, and female hormones. The sores usually heal in 7 to 10 days.
Although there is no specific cure for canker sores, home treatment often relieves the discomfort.
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | October 9, 2008 |
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: October 9, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
|
© 1995-2009, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.