Have you ever experienced an annoying irritation in your mouth? These are relatively common, but they can be quite annoying. One of the most common types of mouth irritations are referred to as canker sores. When you hear about canker sores, there are many things that come to your mind. What is a canker sore and are they contagious?
Here is some basic canker sore information that should answer most of your questions:
What Is A Canker Sore?
A canker sore is medically known as an apthous ulcer. About 2 in every 10 people are regularly affected by these types of mouth ulcers. A canker sore is not the same thing as a cold sore. Cold sores are normally outside the mouth, but a canker sore is on the inside of the mouth. Canker sores are very prevalent in younger adults and children. Many women that experience canker sores normally have them during their menstrual cycle. Canker sores are very often stress induced and are more common during this time. Although you are more susceptible to canker sores if your parents have them, they are not contagious. This means that a canker sore can’t be passed from one person to another.
What Is The Cause?
The cause of canker sores is not widely known and is still a bit of a mystery. There is no real explanation for why some people get canker sores often and why women are more prone to canker sires during their period. The link to stress has been established, but the cause for this is still unknown. The only thing that is known about canker sores, is that they are not contagious. You are not at risk for giving someone canker sores through exposure. This is one of the main differences between canker sores and cold sores.
What Can You Do To Avoid Getting Canker Sores?
Since canker sores are not contagious and the cause is relatively unknown, there is not much that you can do to prevent canker sores. Simply washing your hands or practicing good hygiene will have no effect on if you get canker sores or not. These ulcers within the mouth have no known cause, so prevention is often futile. Most canker sores will eventually go away on their own and no additional treatment will normally be required. However, if you have painful canker sores that last more than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor.
