Question 1

what does a canker sore look like?

Accepted Answer

Ulcer: I think "ulcer" is a good word to describe a typical canker sore.  In most cases, cancer sores are small--about a size of pencil eraser or smaller.  They are not raised or swollen but rather flat or sunken slightly. The color is pale yellow to gray-ish in the center, and the edge may be red and inflamed.  On-line "IMAGE" search will be helpful to see photos.

Question 2

how long does a canker sore last?

Accepted Answer

Not long: 7-10 days.

Question 3

what does a minor canker sore look like?

Accepted Answer

Depends on cause: A herpes lesion starts out as a painful blister then turns into a shallow white to yellow ulcer if it is in the mouth or scab if it is on the lip.  An aphthous ulcer is on the cheek, soft palate, tongue and is a shallow ulcer with a red rim.  Yeast infections in the mouth look like white dot pasted on the lining with a red margin. Syphilis looks like a moist scab.

Question 4

what a canker sore?

Accepted Answer

Be sure of diagnosis: Get examined please. Canker sores are common aphthous ulcers of mouth that occur situationally, often in response to stressors, are bacterial or viral, & can be treated topically with many otc products that reduce local discomfort & potentially speed healing. However, oral/dental problems & a number of systemic diseases cause canker sore-like lesions--crohn's, behcet's, std (sexually transmitted).

Question 5

how is canker sore treated?

Accepted Answer

Canker Sores: Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two.
If sores are large, painful, or persistent, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment, or a prescription or nonprescription solution to reduce the pain and irritation.

Question 6

huge canker sore, what to do!?

Accepted Answer

Canker sore: There are many otc medications that you can apply. Ask your local pharmacist what he\she recommends. If that is not enough to keep you comfortable, see you local dentist who can prescribe and\or treat this more effectively. Most patients just wait it out. Avoid spicy and acidic foods meanwhile.

Question 7

why does alum help canker sore?

Accepted Answer

It can: Alum placed on canker sore can make them less painful and heal a little faster.  Some people are sensitive to the sodium laurryl sulfate or sls in toothpaste and have fewer outbreaks once they change toothpastes.

Question 8

can a canker sore be black? why?

Accepted Answer

Possible: If there is trauma to the sore there can be some bleeding into the sore.  This will give a dark appearance.   Have your dentist take a look as sometimes it might be something else.

Question 9

quick ways to heal a canker sore?

Accepted Answer

Prevention: Canker sore or more specifically aphthous ulcer can be prevented by avoiding a common foam detergent found in most toothpastes called sodium laurel sulfate.  Switching to Biotene or other toothpaste not containing this ingredient can be the cure in preventing this painful condition.

Question 10

how can you remove a canker sore?

Accepted Answer

You can't: It is like saying how can i remove a hole.  On the other hand, you may possibly hasten the healing.

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