What Exactly Is A Canker Sore?

Before I really get into canker sore prevention, cures or remedies, I want to define what a canker sore actually is. I won't get too scientific, since so many other medical websites, WebMD, and Wikipedia explain them in great detail.

What Is A Canker Sore?
Basically, a canker sore is a painful slightly raised ulcer within the soft tissue of the mouth.

Where Are Canker Sores Located?
Canker sores are commonly located on the tongue, gums, inner lip, or cheeks. They are ridiculously painful and interfere with eating, drinking, and even talking in some instances.

How Long Do They Last?
Individual canker sores typically last anywhere from one to three weeks.  Of course if you are like me, you end up getting another one before the first one is cured.  I have gone months with at least one canker sore in my mouth.  Typically, I have dealt with as many as five or six at a time.  Truly unbearable.

What Causes Canker Sores?
It is not known exactly what triggers the onset of a canker sore, but most experts agree it is likely one of, or a combination of, several aspects of our daily life habits and individual physiology.  Common causes are:
- Stress
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Menstrual periods
- Hormonal changes
- Food allergies

Individual Physiology And Canker Sores
Some people seem to be much more susceptible to suffering from canker sores and women tend to suffer from canker sores more often than men.  It is completely unknown why any of this is, but I am jealous of those who don't have chronic recurring canker sores.

In my next post, I will go into more detail on the known causes of canker sores. Understanding the causes is really the key to prevent canker sores to begin with and remedy canker sores once you have them.  These causes are completely intertwined, which most people don't realize.

Photo: National Center for Biotechnology Information, US National Library of Medicine