Q: What is an apthous ulcer?
A: Apthous ulcer is the technical name for a canker sore. Canker sores usually occur inside the mouth where the cheek and gum meet. They can also develop inside the cheeks and the lips. They can also occur on the side of the tongue, on the soft palate and on the floor of the mouth. In some people, canker sores can be brought on by stress. Biting the lip on the inside of the cheek can also cause them. Even a slight irritation caused by a toothbrush bristle or a prick from a bone fragment while eating can also start a sore.
A small canker sore usually is not too painful and does not require treatment.
It's likely to go away in a week or two. Larger sores, however, can be extremely
painful and cause discomfort even when brushing, eating or speaking. Canker
sores, as opposed to cold sores, which are caused by a virus and are highly
contagious, are not contagious. Canker sores also come in simple and complex
foam. The simple variety may appear three or four times a year and last four
to seven days. Consult with your dentist any time a sore develops and persists
in your mouth.
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