What are Canker sores?
Canker sores, also referred to as aphthous ulcers, are a problem where ulcers develop on the tongue as well as inside the cheeks, under the gums and on the inner lips. These sores on the tongue are not contagious but they are tremendously painful. They are normally red and might have a coating that is white.
Canker Sore on Tongue Causes
The cause of canker sores developing is unknown but it seems that they tend to run in families. They often develop when any of the following happens:
- Being tired or over stressed
- Injury to the tongue with toothpicks, toothbrushes or biting
- Having a viral infections
- Heredity
- Hormonal changes
- Salty, spicy foods
- During menstrual cycle for a woman
- Because of braces on the teeth
- Having food allergies
- Drinking or eating foods or juice that have lots of acid
- Not enough vitamins or minerals in diet such as iron
It is reported that about twenty (20) % of the population – one (1) out of five (5) – individuals have canker sores at any one time. Women are slightly more likely than males to have recurrent cases of canker sores. They can occur at any age, but more commonly in teenagers. Genetic studies report that predisposition to recurrent outbreaks of these sores is inherited in some individuals. This would explain the reason why family members often share this problem.
Canker Sore Types
Canker sores are usually categorized into three (3) groups based on size. These are:
Minor canker sores
Minor sores have a diameter of 1 mm to 10 mm. They are the more common with 80% of all sores being minor and normally last about seven (7) to ten (10) days.
Major canker sores
Major sores accounts for ten (10) percent of canker sore, have a diameter of larger than ten (10) mm as well as taking anywhere between ten (10) to thirty (30) days to heal. They can leave scars after healing.
Herpetiform ulcers
Herpetiform ulcers also accounts for the last ten (10) percent of canker sores and are formed by clusters of multiple small individual sores. They usually heal within seven (7) to ten (10) days.
Canker Sore on Tongue Symptoms
The major symptom of canker sores is a shallow ulcer on the tongue or the inside of the lip or cheek. The sore could be small or large and it usually will have a border that is red and a yellow or white center. There can be more than one canker sore at a time.
These sores normally start with a tingling or burning feeling. They can be swollen as well as painful. Having one makes it hard to eat or talk.
These sores can hurt for seven (7) to ten (10) days. Minor sores heal totally in one (1) to three (3) weeks, but major can often take as much as six (6) weeks to heal. Some individuals develop another canker sore after the first one has healed. Most heal with no scar.
Symptoms include:
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- One or more red, painful bumps or spots that develop into an open ulcer
- Middle of sore is yellow or white
- Normally small – under 1 cm but can be very larger
- Sore can turn gray prior to beginning to heal
Less common symptoms:
- Fever
- General malaise or discomfort
- Swollen lymph nodes
Often an outbreak that is severe can be accompanied by non-specific symptoms of illness, such as fever.
Canker Sore on Tongue Treatment
Treatment is normally not needed. In the majority of cases, the sores go away on their own.
If an individual has a canker sore, he/she shouldn’t eat spicy or hot foods because it will cause pain. Over-the-counter, mild mouth wash or salty water can help. There are also medications over-the-counter to soothe the area that is painful. These drugs can be applied directly to the sore area of the mouth.
These are also home remedies that can be used – some listed below.
For cases that are severe, prescription medication might be needed. This can include fluocinonide gel (Lidex) or chorhexidine gluconate mouth washes. A powerful anti-inflammatory such as corticosteroids also can be used.
In order to stop bacterial infections from developing, brush and floss teeth regularly as well as get routine dental checkups.
Home Remedies
The best home remedy is to mix half hydrogen peroxide as well as half water. Using a cotton swab apply the mixture directly on the canker sore. After that, dab a small amount of Milk of Magnesia on the canker sore, three (3) to four (4) times a day. This will soothe and might also help the sore heel.
Another good home remedy is to mix half Milk of Magnesia and half Benadryl liquid. Swish this in your mouth for approximately 1 minute, and then spit out.
Canker Sore on Tongue Pictures
