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Canker sores

Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth that appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.

The cause of canker sores is not well-understood but may include injury or irritation inside the mouth, infection, stress, inheritable conditions, and female hormones. The sores usually heal in 7 to 10 days.

Although there is no specific cure for canker sores, home treatment often relieves the discomfort.

Author Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor Alison Allen
Editor Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Martin Gabica, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH
- Dentist
Last Updated December 1, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 01, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.