You may feel a small sore on the inside of your lip or under your tongue. It wasn’t there yesterday. It seemed to have just appeared. What could it be? You are likely suffering from a canker sore or what is scientifically referred to as an aphthous ulcer, a common and bothersome soreness in the mouth.

Aphthous ulcers or canker sores are usually less than a half-of-an-inch in diameter, oval in shape, have a red border and a whitish or yellowish center. You will sometimes feel a tingling sensation in the area for a couple of days before they actually show up.

Cold sores or aphthous ulcers are not the same. Cold sores are caused by viruses and are usually found on the outside or dry portions of the lip or on hard tissues in the mouth, such as your palate. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes virus. Cold sores are contagious and respond to anti-viral medications. Canker sores on the other hand occur on loose, wet tissues of the inner lip, below the gum line and under the tongue. They are neither viral or contagious.

Canker sores tend to show up for no apparent reason. There is no direct cause. That said, in some cases, a sharp area on your teeth or filling can cause trauma leading to a sore. Also, allergies or sensitivities to certain foods can trigger a canker sore. Some foods include chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, as well as acidic foods. A diet lacking in vitamin B12, zinc, folate and iron may also play a role. Also, stress is associated with canker sores. Another likely factor in the development of canker sores is an infection by helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria known for causing stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.

A key factor in the prevention of canker sores is to determine your emotional state, your diet and your medication history. When did the canker sores start?

What were you eating?

Have there been recent changes in your diet?

Have you started taking a new medication?

Are you under considerable stress?

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