Canker Sores

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Canker (KANG-ker) sores are ulcers in your mouth. Ulcers are open sores. Canker sores are also called recurrent aphthous stomatitis or RAS. Canker sores can be minor, major or herpetiform. Minor canker sores are small, and go away within two weeks. Major canker sores are bigger, take longer to heal, and leave scars after they have healed. Clusters of sores that may grow into a larger, deep sore are called herpetiform canker sores. These sores take a long time to heal and leave scars. Herpetiform canker sores are not the same as the sores caused by the herpes virus. Canker sores do not spread from one person to another through touching, coughing, or any other way.
  
  
• The cause of canker sores is unknown. Infection, stress, changes before a woman's monthly period, or certain foods and medicines may increase your risk of getting canker sores. Rough dentures, braces, and brushing your teeth too hard may also increase your risk. To learn if you have canker sores, caregivers will ask you about health problems you have had in the past and have now. Your caregiver will look closely in and around your mouth. There is no cure for canker sores. Medicine may be given to take away symptoms such as pain, and help your sores heal faster. Eating a diet with plain, soft foods may help prevent mouth pain while you have canker sores. Braces and dentures should be checked by a caregiver to see that they fit correctly. With treatment and good mouth care, your pain and problems chewing or swallowing food may decrease, or go away.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Diet changes:

• Avoid sharp, crunchy, or dry foods as they can hurt your mouth. This may include dry toast and popcorn. Avoid chips, pretzels, and other salty foods as these can also make the sores in your mouth painful. Avoid foods and drinks that contain citric acid such as grapefruit, grapefruit juice, oranges, orange juice, lemons and limes. They may make your pain worse or cause more sores to form. Eat soft, plain foods until your canker sores heal. Ask your caregiver what foods and liquids would be best for you to have until the canker sores heal.
  
  
• Certain foods including chocolate, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, and tomatoes may increase the risk of getting canker sores for some people. Gluten, found in oats, rye, wheat and barley may also increase the risk in some people. Ask caregivers if changing your diet may help stop you from getting canker sores again. Getting enough iron, zinc, vitamin B, and folic acid in your diet may help prevent canker sores. To do this, eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts.

Mouth care:

Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after you eat, and before you go to sleep. Gently brush your teeth and gums using a brush with soft bristles. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

Manage stress:

Stress and worry can increase your risk of getting canker sores. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You are dizzy, or more tired than usual after starting new medicine to treat your canker sores.
  
  
• You still have canker sores after 3 to 4 weeks.
  
  
• Your pain does not go away even after taking medicine.
  
  
• You have questions about your canker sores, medicine, or care.
  
  
• Your sores are getting worse, or you are getting more, even though you are being treated for them.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You cannot eat or drink because of your mouth pain.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Canker Sores (Aftercare Instructions)