Mouth Sores From How to

Causes of mouth sores

* Canker sores: These are small, round ulcers that can form on the inside of the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue. They are usually white or yellow in color and have a red border. Canker sores are often caused by stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.

* Cold sores: These are small, fluid-filled blisters that form on the lips or around the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person.

* Hand, foot, and mouth disease: This is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and a rash of small, red bumps on the hands, feet, and mouth. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is most common in children.

* Other causes: Mouth sores can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or cancer.

How to treat mouth sores

* Canker sores: Most canker sores will heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. There are a few things you can do to help relieve pain and speed up healing, such as:

* Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day

* Applying a cold compress to the sore

* Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

* Cold sores: There is no cure for cold sores, but there are a few things you can do to help relieve symptoms and prevent outbreaks, such as:

* Avoiding contact with people who have cold sores

* Taking an antiviral medication, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir

* Applying a cold compress to the sore

* Hand, foot, and mouth disease: There is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms, such as fever, pain, and dehydration.

* Other causes: If your mouth sores are caused by another medical condition, treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if your mouth sores:

* Are severe or do not heal within 2 weeks

* Are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing

* Are caused by an underlying medical condition

Preventing mouth sores

There is no sure way to prevent mouth sores, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

* Avoiding triggers, such as stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes

* Practicing good oral hygiene

* Eating a healthy diet

* Getting enough sleep

* Managing your stress