Canker sores are small round ulcers, white with a red border, that burn out of all proportion to their size. Almost always harmless — with a few rules worth knowing.
What triggers them
- Small traumas: accidental bites, toothbrush, braces
- Stress and fatigue
- Deficiencies (iron, B12, folate) in recurrent forms
- Certain foods (citrus, tomato, nuts) in predisposed people
Getting through them
- Over-the-counter barrier gels to protect the ulcer.
- Avoid acidic, spicy and crunchy foods for a few days.
- Gentle hygiene: a clean mouth heals faster.
- For recurrent forms: an assessment at the practice and possibly tests with your doctor.
The signal not to ignore
An ulcer that doesn't heal within two weeks is not an aphtha until proven otherwise: it must be seen. It is a fundamental prudence rule in oral mucosa care, in line with WHO's focus on early detection of oral lesions.
Sources
- WHO, Global Oral Health Status Report, 2022 — early detection of oral mucosal lesions.
- WHO, Oral health fact sheet — periodic check-ups as an interception tool.