Who is most likely to get canker sores?
Eighty percent of the U.S. population between the ages of ten to 20 years of age, most often women, get canker sores. What causes canker sores? The best available evidence suggests that canker sores result from an altered local immune response associated with stress, trauma, or irritation. Acidic foods (i.e., tomatoes, citrus fruits, and some nuts) are known to cause irritation in some patients. Are canker sores contagious? No, because they are not caused by bacteria or viral agents, they cannot be spread locally or to anyone else. How are canker sores treated? The treatment is directed toward relieving discomfort and guarding against infection. A topical corticosteroid preparation such as triamcinolone dental paste (Kenalog in Orabase 0.1%®) is helpful. When should a physician be consulted? Consider consulting a physician if a mouth sore has not healed within two weeks. Mouth sores offer an easy way for germs and viruses to get into the body. Therefore, it is easy for infections to de
