Canker Sores of the Mouth

Canker sores of the mouth

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Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth. They appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious, but in some people they keep coming back. Canker sores cause pain that may make it difficult to speak or eat.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerArden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Last RevisedSeptember 14, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: September 14, 2012
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

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