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Canker sores of the mouth

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Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth. They appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious, but in some people, they keep coming back. Canker sores cause pain that may make it difficult to speak or eat.

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
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