Types of Mouth Sores

Cold Sores

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, occur outside the mouth or on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can start before or during a cold or the flu.

The virus that causes cold sores can be dangerous to newborn babies, elderly adults, and people who have a chronic disease or who are taking immunosuppressant medications. These people should avoid being near anyone who has the symptoms of a cold sore.

Causes

Cold sores are contagious. You can get them from skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, or from sharing eating utensils or towels with someone who has a cold sore. Certain triggers may cause repeated outbreaks, including:

• Physical or emotional stress
• Menstruation
• Cold or fever
• Upset stomach
• Excessive exposure to the sun
• Use of medications that suppress the immune system

Symptoms

Cold sores are painful, clear blisters that can appear singly or in clusters of 10 or 20. Before you get a cold sore, your body often gives you a warning signal: the affected area will itch, tingle, or burn before the sore forms.

Treatment

Most cold sores will clear up on their own in 7 to 10 days. However, if you are experiencing frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe an oral antiviral medication. Medications can help cold sores clear up faster, but they won’t prevent new outbreaks from occurring.
 
Self-Care

• Apply cold compresses or ice to relieve pain.
• Apply an over-the-counter cold sore product, following the directions on the label.
• Take analgesics (such as Bayer aspirin) for pain. Use as directed.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching the sores.
• When you’re in the sun, apply zinc oxide or lip balm with sunscreen around the mouth and nostrils to prevent an outbreak.
• Apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) to prevent secondary infection.
• Apply 1-percent hydrocortisone cream after the blister is gone to reduce
  inflammation.

Canker Sores

Canker sores usually occur inside the mouth, lips, or cheeks. They can be red or yellowish-white with a red border. No one knows for sure what causes them. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.

Treatment

There is no cure for canker sores, but if you have unusually large, persistent canker sores or frequent outbreaks, your doctor may be able to prescribe a special mouthwash or other solution to ease your symptoms.

Prevention

Good general health practices are the best precaution against mouth sores:

• Eat a nutritious diet with lots of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Get enough rest and exercise.
• Try to avoid getting colds and the flu.
• Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water.
• Avoid sharing glasses or utensils with someone who has a cold.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
• See your dentist regularly.

Self-Care

• Gargle or swallow 1 tablespoon of an antacid (such as Mylanta) four times a day, ideally after meals.
• Rinse your mouth with a solution of half hydrogen peroxide, half water.
• Avoid eating acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes. Salty, spicy, or vinegary foods may irritate canker sores as well. Milk, Jell-O, yogurt, ice cream, custard, and other soft foods are often easier to tolerate.
• Avoid eating foods with sharp edges, such as potato chips.

Self-Care for Mouth Sores

• Clean your mouth frequently. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution: ½ teaspoon salt and 1 cup water.
• Try popsicles, fruit slushes, or crushed ice to increase your fluid intake and numb the pain.
• Sip liquids through a straw if drinking is painful.