What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?
Symptoms of canker sores may include:
- Tingling or burning in the mouth; this sensation often occurs 6 to 24 hours before a canker sore appears.
- Round or oval ulcers that are small and painful
- Sores that 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 heal within 5 to 14 days without scarring
- Sores that are grayish white or pale yellow with red borders
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 or frequently occurring mouth sores, which may indicate an underlying problem, such as a serious skin disorder called pemphigus, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Behcet’s disease, autoimmune disease, anemia, HIV, or, in rare cases, oral cancer or leukemia.