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Treatment for recurring canker sores ?

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Hello. I've been dealing with recurring canker sores in my mouth for about six weeks now. Individual sores will heal in about two weeks, but new ones keep popping up. Should I be very concerned about this? Is anyone else having the same problem? Also, should I go see a doctor, and if so, what kind should I see? (dentist? general practitioner?)


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replied August 11th, 2010
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Answer A15153
Hi, welcome to the ehealth forum and I am glad to help you.
You seem concerned with aphthous ulcer, a type of oral ulcer commonly known as canker sore. Canker sores are white or yellow and surrounded by a bright red area. They are benign and common in women than men. They may occur at any age, but usually first appear between the ages of 10 and 40. Canker sores usually appear on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, tongue, soft palate, and the base of the gums. Canker sores can run in families. They may also be linked to problems with the body's immune (defense) system. The sores may occur after a mouth injury due to dental work, aggressive tooth cleaning, or biting the tongue or cheek. They can be triggered by emotional stress, dietary deficiencies (especially iron, folic acid, or vitamin B-12), menstrual periods, hormonal changes, food allergies, and similar situations. They occur most commonly with viral infections. In some cases, the cause cannot be identified. You must consult GP for the proper diagnosis by looking at the sore. Treatment is usually not necessary. In most cases, the canker sores go away by themselves. If canker sores persist or continue to return, tests should be done to rule out other causes, such as erythema multiforme, drug allergies, herpes infection, bullous lichen planus, and other disorders.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Note: This post is not to emphasise final diagnosis as the same cannot be made online and is aimed just to provide medical information and no treatment suggested above be taken without face to face consultation with health care professional.



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