There are many types of mouth sores.
Some, such ascanker sores, are minor and can clear up on their own.
Others, such as sores that develop from health conditions such asoral cancer, are more severe.
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This article discusses the possible causes of and treatments for various types of mouth sores.
Mild irritations that cause sores tend to heal faster.
If it doesn’t, call your healthcare provider.
What Medications Can Cause Mouth Sores?
The mouth sores might be a temporary effect of the drug and will go away soon.
If not, your provider may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
How to Treat Mouth Sores
Treating mouth sores means treating the cause.
Idiopathic mouth sores will typically clear up on their own within one to three weeks.
In the meantime, ask your healthcare provider about treatment to ease your symptoms.
Are There Tests to Diagnose Mouth Sores?
There are several different tests used for diagnosing mouth sores because there are many possible causes.
They will also you about any other symptoms you are experiencing and about any medications you are on.
Usually, this will include doingblood tests.
Why Is Getting the Right Diagnosis Important?
Some mouth sores are harmless, but others can indicate a severe health condition.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You cannot self-diagnose a mouth sore.
Your healthcare provider needs to look at the sores to figure out what they are being brought on by.
You should also see a provider if you think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection.
It’s important to see your provider to find out for sure what is causing your mouth sores.
A Word from Verywell
There are many causes of mouth sores.
Your provider can do tests to find out what’s causing your mouth sores and recommend the best treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mouth sores can be idiopathic, which means there is no known underlying cause.
Canker sores are rarely severe and are usually considered to be idiopathic.
If you get recurrent canker sores, contact your healthcare provider.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a benign mouth sore and one that is cancerous.
If it’s caught early enough, mouth cancer is highly treatable.
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Bruce AJ, Dabade TS, Burkemper NM.Diagnosing oral ulcers.JAAPA.2015 Feb;28(2):1-10. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000459826.63026.67
