The Complete Canker Sore Treatment Page!
The complete cancker sore treatment page

Ouch! Canker sores (also known as cancker sores, aphthous ulcers, apthous ulcers and mouth ulcers) are a common reason for a visit to the doctor's office.

What can you do to ease the pain and get on with your life? Consult with your doctor to see which of these steps may help your particular circumstances. 

Remember that this site can only provide general advice on canker sores / cancker sores, and you should consult your doctor for information specific to your condition.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact biological cause of canker sores is unknown. They are not herpes simplex. It is not known if cancker sores are contagious. Canker sores are more likely to occur in females than in males, and often follow trauma to the inside of the cheek caused by accidental biting or by dental work. Stress is thought to be a major precipitating factor for cancker sores.

The Good News

Canker sores generally disappear within 3 weeks, often within one week, and sometimes they are gone within 24 hours.

Common Causes of Canker Sores

Many people experience cancker sores when they are under stress or in stressful situations. Canker sores are also common a few days after visiting a dentist, although this incidence seems to be reduced if the dentist mixes a small amount of chlorhexidine with rinse water.

Risk Factors

As noted above, being female is a risk factor for cancker sores. Being ill with a cold or flu, or other illness, often causes an outbreak.

Home Care

Rinsing the mouth with a prescription mouthwash is sometimes helpful. Rinsing with warm salt water may also help, but be careful to avoid swallowing the salt water. Various commercial products are available that reduce the discomfort of cancker sores.

When to Call a Doctor

If you have an ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within a reasonable time, consult your doctor. This is particularly true if you are a smoker or chew tobacco.

Preventing Future Outbreaks

You can do a lot to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Manage your stress level, avoid cuts to the inside of the mouth, cheeks and tongue, and do regular tooth brushing and flossing.