Oral thrush is a common disease and can affect people of any age. While many mouth ulcers are harmless, some can indicate more serious problems, and treatment depends on the type of mouth ulcer you have. What are oral pests? Mouth ulcers are painful lesions that develop on the soft tissues of your mouth. They may appear on your lips, gums, tongue, floor, or roof of your mouth. ### What are the different types of canker sores? The term "canker sore" can describe a number of different conditions that affect the oral cavity. There are different types of mouth ulcers, including: Canker sores: Canker sores, sometimes called mouth sores, are one of the most common types of oral lesions. These sores are usually red with a white, yellow or gray color in the middle. They are not contagious and usually go away on their own within 10 to 14 days. Cold sores: Also known as fever blisters, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Unlike herpes, herpes is contagious and can be spread through kissing or sharing food and drink. Gingivostomatitis: This disease may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or may be related to poor oral hygiene. Gingivostomatitis with cold sores in the mouth usually occurs on the gums or inner cheeks and is more common in children. Thrush: Also called candidiasis, thrush is a yeast infection inside the mouth. People with oral thrush have white and creamy lesions on the tongue and gums. While transmission of thrush from person to person is uncommon, it can occur, especially among immunocompromised individuals. Oral thrush is common among denture wearers, but it can affect anyone. Oral lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory disorder, lichen planus can affect your lips, gums, and tongue. You may notice raised and lacy pieces of tissue. In some cases, you may have red, swollen mouth sores. Leukoplakia: This condition causes white and thick spots to appear on the soft tissues inside your mouth. Leukoplakia is common in smokers. While symptoms usually go away on their own, more severe cases can be a warning sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer: People with oral cancer may notice red or white sores or sores in the mouth. Unlike other types of mouth ulcers, oral cancer lesions do not heal. ### Who are affected by oral ulcers? Canker sores can affect anyone, but some of them appear at a certain time in life. For example, while oral thrush and gingivostomatitis are more common in children, leukoplakia and lichen planus are more common in older adults. ### What is the most common type of mouth ulcer? Herpes and canker sores are among the most common types of oral lesions. About 20 percent of people will get cold sores at some point in their lives, and while more than half of people are infected with the virus that causes cold sores, only 20 to 40 percent of people will develop cold sores. What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers? The exact symptoms can vary depending on the type of mouth ulcer you have. In most cases, lesions cause redness, pain, and inflammation. You may also experience the following: - Tingling or burning sensation. - Difficulty eating (especially spicy or salty foods). - Blistering - Bleeding. - wound - Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). ### What causes mouth ulcers? There are some things that can lead to mouth ulcers. Causes range from simple injuries to serious health conditions. Common causes of canker sores include: - Biting the lip, tongue or cheek - Irritation caused by braces or other orthodontic devices. - Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles. - Use of tobacco products. - Hormonal changes - Stress - Burning mouth on hot food - Exposure to herpes simplex virus. There are also many gum diseases and health conditions that can cause mouth ulcers, including: - Mononucleosis - Celiac disease. - Anemia. - Folate deficiency - Hand, foot and mouth disease. - Pemphigus vulgaris. - HIV and AIDS. - Lupus - Crohn's disease. - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). - Human papilloma virus (HIV) People undergoing cancer treatment may also develop mouth ulcers. This is especially true for people receiving radiation therapy to the head or neck. ### Are mouth sores contagious? It depends on the type of mouth ulcer you have. Herpes is contagious, but ringworm is not. If you are unsure about the type of mouth ulcer you have, contact your dentist. ### How do mouth ulcers spread? Contagious mouth sores, such as cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, are spread through saliva and close contact. If you think you have cold sores in your mouth, avoid kissing and sharing food, drinks, and utensils with others. ### How long is herpes contagious? Herpes is usually contagious for up to 15 days. When all symptoms including blisters subside, you are no longer contagious. ### Are mouth sores viral or bacterial? While viruses are the most common infectious agent of mouth ulcers, bacteria can also cause oral lesions. For example, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. But mouth ulcers such as gingivostomatitis can be caused by certain bacteria such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces. ### What is the cause of ulcers around the mouth? Some ulcers develop only on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Other sores, such as cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually appear at the corners of the mouth or on the lips. ### How are mouth ulcers diagnosed? Most mouth ulcers can be diagnosed by visual examination. However, if your condition is severe, your doctor may order blood tests or a biopsy. ### Should I see a doctor or dentist for mouth ulcers? In most cases, a dentist can properly diagnose and treat a mouth ulcer. However, if you have frequent mouth ulcers that are related to an underlying medical condition, it's best to see your primary care doctor or an otolaryngologist. How do I know if I have an oral infection? You can get a mouth infection without developing a mouth ulcer. If you notice any other unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, swelling, or tenderness, call your doctor right away. ### How do you treat your mouth sores? Your dentist may prescribe medication to relieve your symptoms. Treatment of canker sores may include the following: - Steroid gel - Painkillers. - Anti-inflammatory. Additionally, there are things you can do at home to reduce discomfort: **Wash several times a day with warm salt water.** Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. **Avoid pressure on the wounds.** Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. ### What to eat when your mouth hurts? When you have mouth ulcers, try to eat cold foods such as syrup or ice. This may help soothe the area. Avoid spicy or salty foods and avoid citrus foods such as oranges, pineapples, and tomato sauce. ### Can mouth ulcers be prevented? While you can't prevent mouth ulcers altogether, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. - Maintain good oral and dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Find ways to reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness or meditation. - Eat a healthy and balanced diet. - Stay hydrated. - Avoid all tobacco products. - Use lip balm outdoors. - Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether. ### What can I expect if I have mouth ulcers? Most people who develop mouth ulcers do not experience any long-term effects. But some people find that the scars reappear from time to time. If you are under stress or have a weak immune system, this outbreak is more likely. If you have frequent mouth ulcers, talk to your healthcare provider. They can determine if your lesions are related to an underlying disease. ### When should I call the dentist? Not all mouth ulcers require immediate medical attention. But if you have lesions larger than half an inch in diameter, or if your mouth sores are accompanied by the following, you should contact your doctor: - fever - Severe pain. - Wounds that have not healed after three weeks. - Blister - Skin rash. - Diarrhea. - Joint pain.