Canker sore, also known as aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcer, is a type of oral ulcer that presents a painful sore inside the mouth resulting from a break in the integrity of the oral mucous membrane. Apart from trauma, exact single cause of canker sore is yet to be identified, though some precipitating factors were suggested such as stress, poor nutrition and inadequate oral hygiene. If you have cold sores which may or may not be related to canker sores you can’t see your Stockton Dentist until they have cleared up. Canker sore is classified into three categories.

Minor Aphthous Ulcer

To be classified as a minor aphthous ulcer, the size of the oral ulcer should measure three to ten millimeter in diameter. The appearance of the sore varies from white to yellow with red margins. The yellow color of the sore indicates formation of fibrin which is a protein necessary for blood clotting, while the reddened margin indicates an increased blood flow around that area. Severe pain is a characteristic of the sore, especially if it is located under the tongue and the insides of the cheeks. Minor aphthous ulcers may heal within seven days.

Major Aphthous Ulcer

Major aphthous ulcer bears the same appearance as its minor counterpart. However, it measures greater than ten millimeters in diameter. Major aphthous ulcers usually take longer than seven days to heal or even up to a month and they frequently leave a scar.

Herpetiform Ulcerations

Herpetiform ulceration is the most severe type and is caused by a strain of herpes simplex virus. It is characterized by small but numerous oral sores that forms a cluster. The sores usually measures one to three millimeters in diameter. Symptomatic treatment may be necessary, for example if pain is present then a medication for pain may be required. This type of canker sore usually heals within a month without leaving a scar.