Understanding Canker Sores Symptoms

Understanding Canker Sores -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?

Symptoms of canker sores can include:

Tingling or burning in the mouth; this sensation often occurs six to 24 hours before a canker sore appears.

Small, painful, crater-like ulcers.

Sores appear singly or in clusters on the inside of the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks and lips, on the tongue, at the base of the gums, or on the soft palate.

Sores that usually last five to 10 days.

Sores that are grayish white or pale yellow with red borders.

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Call Your Doctor About Canker Sores If:

Your canker sores are extremely painful; your doctor can give you medication to alleviate pain.

The sores last more than 14 days; this may indicate a more serious condition that needs treatment.

You have persistent multiple mouth sores, which may indicate an underlying problem, such as a serious skin disorder called pemphigus or, in rare cases, oral cancer or leukemia.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

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