Symptoms of Canker Sores

Understanding the symptoms of canker sores can help reduce the frequency of these sores getting to dangerously painful stages. The key is to know what to expect and to take steps to reduce the pain you feel. Canker sores, which are sores that occur inside the mouth, on the soft tissues in this region, can occur in all people of all ages. You can reduce symptoms of them, but there is no method to fully protect yourself from them.

Getting treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms of canker sores can help to reduce the severity of them and it can reduce the length of their presence in the mouth. Consider the following common symptoms of canker sores.

• For those who are facing minor canker sores, the most common sign is the size of the lesion. Generally, they are about half of an inch in diameter, or 12 millimeters.
• Most are oval in shape rather than round.
• Most common canker sores will heal without any type of treatment and without scarring the inside of the mouth within one to two weeks.

Some people may experience more serious canker sores. Commonly called major canker sores, these conditions often have the following symptoms.

• The lesion is larger than half an inch or 12 millimeters in diameter. In some cases, they are only slightly larger.
• They do not have a clearly defined edge. Rather, they often have irregular edges.
• Many of these major canker sores will take as long as six weeks to heal.
• These may leave significant scarring.

When trying to determine if you have symptoms of canker sores as compared to common cold sores, the location is the biggest factor. Cold sores usually occur on the edges of the mouth of on the lips. Canker sores occur within the mouth, usually on the gums or on the soft tissues throughout the mouth.

By understanding the symptoms of canker sores, it is easier to apply treatment to the condition. In some cases, these symptoms can come on in just a few days whereas in other cases they can take longer to develop. If you believe you have symptoms of more serious forms of canker sores, it may be necessary to apply a treatment product such as OraMD or to seek out prescription strength medications from your doctor. This is not necessary in minor canker sore instances, though.