You probably know the feeling – you go to take a bite of something salty or take a sip of a highly acidic beverage, and bam! The pain feels much larger than the small sore inside of your mouth looks. Maybe you struggle with unsightly sores that appear around the outside of your mouth and lips. Mouth sores are a miserable thing to have to deal with, and if you’ve ever had them, you know this first-hand. What is the difference between them, and how do you treat them? Your Conway dentist has the answers!
What is the Difference Between Canker and Cold Sores?
They might both cause discomfort and irritation, but cold sores and canker sores are not the same things. Here are a few ways they differ:
Canker Sores
These painful lesions are often found inside of the mouth on the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, or even sometimes gums and typically last anywhere from 7-10 days. They are small areas of swelling that are white in color and surrounded by redness. Unlike their counterparts, they are not contagious and will either be found alone or in small clusters, depending on their severity. The main causes are trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth, using tobacco, or eating highly acidic foods. Braces can also act as a catalyst for canker sores, as the brackets and wires can irritate the inside of the mouth.
Cold Sores
Cold sores, otherwise known as “fever blisters,” last roughly a week and can be just as uncomfortable. The worst part is that unlike canker sores, they are visible to others and form on the outside of the mouth around the vermillion or border of the lips. Unfortunately, they are also extremely contagious because they are caused by the non-sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus. This virus is extremely common and there is not currently a cure. Although it is completely benign, it will remain in the body for the remainder of one’s life and can cause repeated flare-ups of cold sores.
How Are Canker Sores and Fever Blisters Treated?
While there is no cure for the cold sore-causing virus, there are plenty of prescription and over-the-counter salves and antiviral medicines available to shorten the lifetime of the cold sores. Your dentist can help to recommend the best options for you. To prevent yourself from contracting the herpes simplex virus, try to avoid eating and drinking after or kissing someone who appears to have cold sores.
When it comes to canker sores, there are also numbing salves and medications that are safe to apply to the inside of your mouth that can help reduce pain. Try to avoid eating highly salty or acidic foods, as these substances can make the pain worse. There are also a myriad of antimicrobial mouthwashes that your dentist can recommend that can help to prevent infection.
If you frequently struggle with sores inside or outside of your mouth, talk to your dentist about ways you can reduce the occurrences and speed up healing time.
About the Practice
Dr. Tommy Murph has been serving the Conway community for 25 years. His main priority is educating his patients on the best preventive dental care measures so that they can maintain good oral health. He goes above and beyond to make sure his practice is equipped with the most modern technology the dental industry has to offer. His years of experience and extensive training give his patients the confidence that they are in the best of hands. Are you ready to schedule your next dental checkup? You can request an appointment online or call (843) 488-4357.