Oral Ulcer/Apthous Ulcer

 

Overview:

Oral ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that form on the soft tissues of the mouth or at the base of the gums. Canker sores, unlike cold sores, do not appear on the surface of your lips and are not contagious. They can, however, be painful and make eating and speaking difficult.

Most canker sores heal on their own in a week or two. Consult your doctor or dentist if you have canker sores that are unusually large or painful, or if they do not seem to heal.

Symptoms

Minor canker sores

Minor canker sores are the most common and:

• Are usually small
• Are oval shaped with a red edge
• Heal without scarring in one to two weeks

Major canker sores

Major canker sores are less common and:

• Are larger and deeper than minor canker sores.
• Are usually round with defined borders, but may have irregular edges when very large.
• Can be extremely painful.
• May take up to six weeks to heal and can leave extensive scarring.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

1. Unusually large canker sores.
2. Recurring sores, with new ones developing before old ones heal, or frequent outbreaks.
3. Persistent sores, lasting two weeks or more.
4. Sores that extend into the lips themselves (vermilion border).
5. Pain that you can't control with self-care measures.
6. Extreme difficulty eating or drinking.
7. High fever along with canker sores