Mouth cankers, also known as canker sores, are benign, open sores found inside the mouth. They present as painful, white or yellow ulcers surrounded by a distinct bright red area. Crucially, these sores are not contagious.
Characteristics of Canker Sores
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or yellow sore (ulcer) with a bright red border |
| Location | Inside the mouth |
| Pain | Can be quite painful |
| Contagious | Not contagious |
| Nature | Benign (not cancerous) |
Key Differences from Fever Blisters
It's important to distinguish canker sores from fever blisters. Although both occur in the mouth area, they are distinct conditions with different causes and characteristics. Fever blisters, unlike canker sores, are caused by a virus and are contagious.
Identifying Canker Sores
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Canker sores are always inside the mouth, such as on the cheeks, gums, or tongue.
- They are never on the outside of the lips, where fever blisters usually appear.
- The red halo surrounding the white or yellow ulcer is a key visual indicator.
Management and Care
While canker sores typically heal on their own within a week or two, some things you can do to help manage discomfort include:
- Avoiding spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore.
- Using over-the-counter mouth rinses or topical pain relievers.
- Consulting a dentist or doctor if sores are particularly large, painful, or persistent.
In conclusion, canker sores are common, non-contagious, and painful ulcers that appear inside the mouth, characterized by a white or yellow center with a red border. They are distinct from fever blisters and usually resolve on their own.
