Oral Conditions
Mouth sores making eating painful?
Let's identify what they are and how to treat them.
Routine Care
Talk to a Dentist Now●Common Symptoms
- Painful ulcers in mouth
- White or yellow sores
- Sores on tongue, cheeks, or gums
- Burning sensation
- Difficulty eating
●Common Causes
- Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
- Cold sores (herpes)
- Injury or irritation
- Vitamin deficiency
- Stress
- Certain foods
●When to Seek Care
- Sores last more than 2 weeks
- Sores are very large
- Fever present
- Sores keep recurring
- Difficulty eating/drinking
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between canker sores and cold sores?
Canker sores are inside the mouth and not contagious. Cold sores are on lips, caused by herpes, and contagious.
How long do mouth sores last?
Most canker sores heal in 1-2 weeks. Cold sores typically heal in 2-4 weeks.
When should I worry about a mouth sore?
If it lasts more than 2-3 weeks, is very painful, or is accompanied by fever or other symptoms.
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