Cold, Canker, & Mouth Sores

What are the most common types of mouth sores?

  • Canker sores: Small white lesions encircled by inflammation or redness.

  • Cold sores (fever blisters): Painful blisters around the lips, under the nose, or around the chin.

  • Oral thrush (candidiasis): A fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans).

Symptoms of mouth sores

Canker sores: Manifest as small white or yellow-centered lesions with a red border. They develop in the mouth on the tongue, inside cheek areas, lips, gum line, and throat.

  • Cold sores: Appear outside the mouth, either individually or in clusters. They present as red, raised blisters, typically around the lip edge, and may also occur under the nose or chin.

  • Oral thrush: Symptoms include creamy, off-white, or reddish lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks. The tissue beneath the sores may become tender, and the lesions can spread to other areas of the mouth or the esophagus, resulting in a sore throat and difficulties with swallowing.

What causes canker sores?

The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear, but some speculate that the immune system, bacteria, or viruses may play a role. Various factors that might elevate the likelihood of developing canker sores include:

  • Allergies

  • Genetics

  • Deficiencies in iron or other vitamins

  • Smoking

  • Stress or trauma

  • Injury

  • Certain foods

It's important to distinguish canker sores from cold sores, which result from the herpes (HSV-1) virus. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious. To differentiate between the two, it's essential to recognize that canker sores appear inside the mouth, while cold sores form outside the mouth.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are triggered by an infection from the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Once a person is infected, the virus remains in the body, leading to the possibility of recurring flare-ups. The virus responsible for cold sores is highly contagious, necessitating precautions to prevent the spread of the disease during active outbreaks.

While the varicella vaccine boasts 90% effectiveness in preventing infection and disease transmission, it is not recommended for certain individuals. Those who should avoid the chickenpox vaccine comprise:

  • Individuals who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to their initial dose

  • Those who have received another live vaccine within the past 4 weeks

  • Individuals currently dealing with an illness more severe than a cold

  • Patients living with HIV/AIDS and other immune system disorders

  • Patients who have recently undergone a blood transfusion

  • Individuals undergoing cancer treatment

  • People allergic to any vaccine ingredients

  • Individuals taking medications that impact their immune system

Who should not get the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine?

What causes oral thrush?

Oral thrush results from a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. While this yeast is naturally present in the mouth, it can sometimes overgrow, causing undesirable symptoms. Thrush is most prevalent among:

  • Newborn infants

  • Denture wearers

  • Individuals severely weakened by illness

  • People with compromised immune systems

How are different mouth sores treated?

Treatment approaches vary depending on the type of oral condition. Here are the typical treatments for commonly occurring mouth ailments:

  • Canker sores: Typically heal within 7 to 10 days. Over-the-counter anesthetic ointments and pain relievers can offer temporary relief. Rinsing the mouth with an oral antimicrobial rinse may help reduce irritation.

  • Cold sores: Generally heal in about a week. Blisters may reappear during times of stress, sunlight exposure, allergies, or fever. Topical anesthetics can provide temporary pain relief, and prescription antiviral drugs may help reduce the frequency of recurring flare-ups.

  • Oral thrush: Readily treatable in healthy children and adults, with symptoms being more severe in those with weakened immune systems. Treatment typically involves 10 to 14 days of antifungal medication in the form of liquids, lozenges, or tablets.