$Unique_ID{BRK01615}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What to do About Canker Sores}
$Subject{tongue canker sores}
$Volume{I-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What to do About Canker Sores


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QUESTION:  Frequently, I develop the most awful, painful sores in my mouth
that can make eating a painful and almost impossible task.  After a time they
will go away, but I want to know what they are and what to do about them?

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ANSWER:  You most probably are a sufferer of canker sores.  Canker sores (or
aphtous stomatitis) are common, non-fatal but extremely painful ulcer like
sores that occur within the mouth.  They are present at some time in almost 20
to 50 percent of the adult population.  Slightly more common in women, this
problem seems to run in the family.  We used to think they were caused by
mouth viruses but that no longer seems to be the case.
     These sores start by causing a burning sensation 1 to 48 hours before
they appear.  They then form tiny blisters which break open leaving that
painful sore in your mouth.  These will heal completely on their own without
scarring in 7 to 10 days.
     I suggest applying orabase (a type of ointment useful for conditions in
the mouth) to the sore and avoiding foods with high amounts of salt or acid.
Sometimes drinking with a straw may be helpful.  Tetracycline mouth rinses,
cortisone creams and numbing ointments are all also acceptable means of caring
for canker sores.
     While most of the time painful mouth sores are canker sores sometimes
they are not and so it is important for you to be checked by your doctor or
dentist.  This is especially true if you have many of these in your mouth or
if they are not painful but hang on for long periods of time.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
