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Apthous Ulcer

DEFINITION

Aphtous ulcer is the medical name for a canker sore which are small, shallows sores that appear in the inside of the mouth and near the gums. Most of the time canker sores disappear in a week or two on their own. While cold sores on the outside of the mouth are sometimes an indication of a viral infection and are contagious, canker sores inside the mouth are neither contagious nor caused by a virus. Though the cause of canker sores is not known, many factors can lead to canker sores including small injuries in the mouth caused by biting or rubbing, sensitivities to certain foods like acidic foods or chocolate, allergies to foods, poor diet (low in vitamin B2, folate and iron), infection with helicobacter pylori (the same bacteria that causes stomach ulcers), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), Behcet’s Disease, a weakened immune system, HIV/AIDS, hormonal changes like those during menstruation, and stress. Risk factors for canker sores include being a woman and having family members with canker sores. If your canker sore is very large, is increasing in size, or does not heal, you should see your doctor or dentist.

SYMPTOMS
Painful sore in mouth, sore on gums, pain, tingling

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of canker sore or apthous ulcers can be made after a history and physical exam by your doctor. Normally, no other testing needs to be done for a simple canker sore. Sometimes, your doctor will recommend other testing if your canker sores are larger or recur frequently.

TREATMENT
Generally, no treatment is needed for canker sores because they will resolve on their own. However, some treatment options exist for the painful symptoms of canker sores. You can buy come types of numbing medications over the counter which can be placed on the painful sore. Your doctor may prescribe certain mouth rinses which contain the steroid dexamethasone can decrease the pain and inflammation caused by a canker sore. Other prescription mouth washes contain an antibiotic called tetracycline which may speed healing time for your canker sore. Another treatment option include pastes that either have numbing characteristics (benzocaine) or those prepared with steroids to decrease inflammation and pain (fluocinonide). Some medications for canker sores are available by mouth including some of those used to treat other conditions (like cimetidine and colchicine). A medication called debacterol can cauterize or lightly burn your lesions to help them heal faster. Sometimes nutritional supplements may also help including folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and zinc. You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

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