Canker Sores
Canker sores develop on the soft tissues of the mouth or at the base of your gums as small white or gray sores that have a red border. They are not contagious and may occur as one sore or several. They can be painful, however, and can make eating and talking difficult.
Most canker sores go away on their own in a week or two. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthwashes may provide temporary relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore.
Check with your dentist if you have any of the following:
- Unusually large canker sores
- Recurring sores, with new ones developing before old ones heal, or frequent outbreaks
- Persistent sores, lasting two weeks or more
- Sores that extend into the lips themselves
- Pain that you can’t control with self-care measures
- Extreme difficulty eating or drinking
- High fever along with canker sores
- Sharp tooth surface or dental appliance that seem to trigger the sores
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