Mouth sores are a common annoyance that are usually mild and resolve on their own. In rare cases, mouth sores can be a sign of a serious illness or cancer.
A common type of mouth sore is a cold sore which is also called a fever blister. Cold sores occur due to a herpes simplex infection.
There is not cure for herpes simplex, so someone who has contracted the virus may develop recurring cold sores throughout their lives. When a cold sore breakout is beginning, the person may feel itchiness or burning in the area.
Cold sores form on or around the lips and are extremely contagious. Breakouts may be triggered by stress, illness, fever, or hormone changes.
A common mouth sore is a minor injury to the gums or inside of the cheeks. The sore may have started by accidentally biting the inside of the cheek when chewing or by a sharp or broken tooth.
Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores in the mouth. Persistent use of dentures that do not fit well can cause peoples with the structure of the gums. Therefore, someone experiencing a problem with the fit of dentures should have them refitted or replaced.
Braces can cause irritation and sores on the gums and cheeks. If a wire is broken, the person should see the orthodontist as soon as possible. Some orthodontists give their patients wax to use to cover an area of the braces that may be irritating or jabbing the gums or insides of the cheeks.
Canker sores are a type of mouth sore that usually have a pale yellow center with a dark red outer ring. Some people may get more than one sore. The exact cause of the canker sore is often unknown.
A common mouth sore can be caused by burning the mouth on hot food or drink. The irritation from such a burn usually goes away within a short time. If the pain or irritation persists, the person should see their doctor.
Leukoplakia is a white plaque that looks like white patches. The development of these patches may be in response to an irritant such as poorly fitting dentures or tobacco use.
If the patches do not go away, the person should see a dentist. There is a chance that leukoplakia is a precancerous condition.
Some medications can cause mouth sores. Chemotherapy drugs, aspirin, penicillin, and some drugs used for insomnia can cause irritation and mouth sores.
A mouth sore that doesn’t go away and occurs with other symptoms like numbness of the mouth or face can be a sign of cancer. Because cancer is most treatable when detected early, people with an unexplained mouth sore should seek medical attention from a dentist or doctor.