What Causes Mouth Sores?
There are several different kinds of mouth sores, and many individuals experience some type of sore at least once throughout their lives. Mouth sores can develop on or around any soft tissues that make up the mouth, including the roof, floor, tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips. It's also possible to develop sores on the esophagus, which is the tube that connects an individual's mouth to their stomach. The majority of mouth sores are minor irritations that last for just one or two weeks. There are more serious cases, though, where a mouth sore can be a sign of an infection or mouth cancer.
Get familiar with the variety of different causes of mouth sores now.
Cold Sores
A cold sore, which can also be called a fever blister, is a common type of viral infection. Cold sores cause small and fluid-filled blisters to develop around and on the lips. There may be just one blister, but affected individuals might also have several blisters grouped in a patch. When the blisters break, a sore is left behind, and a crust often forms over the sore. Most cold sores heal in between two and four weeks and don't cause scarring. Cold sores are spread from individual to individual through close physical contact like kissing. They are the result of HSV-1, a herpes simplex virus similar to the strain that leads to genital herpes. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread through oral sex and are capable of affecting both the mouth and genitals. Even if individuals can't see the sores, cold stores are still contagious. HSV infection doesn't have a cure, which means the blisters might recur. Patients can help speed cold sore healing with antiviral medications. These medications might also reduce the frequency with which the cold sores return.
Uncover more causes of mouth sores now.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are often mixed up with cold sores, but they're a different condition. Also referred to as aphthous ulcers, canker sores develop at the base of the gums or on the other soft tissues inside an individual's mouth. Canker sores don't develop on or around the lips, and they also aren't contagious. However, they can cause pain, and they can make it difficult to eat and talk. The majority of canker sores heal within one or two weeks. If these sores don't seem to be healing or they seem unusually painful and large, patients should talk to a doctor. There isn't a specific cause of canker sores that's been pinpointed. However, researchers believe multiple factors can influence outbreaks. Minor injuries caused by accidental cheek biting, sports impacts, brushing too hard, and dental work can increase an individual's risk. An individual will also have a higher risk if they use mouthwash and toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to canker sores, as can allergies, stress, and menstruation-related hormonal shifts.
Get more information on the various causes of mouth sores now.
