Canker Sores Summary Canker sores are small, round sores in your mouth. They can be on the inside of your cheek, under your tongue, or in the back of your throat. They usually have a red edge and a gray center. They can be quite painful. They are not the same as cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex. Canker sores aren’t contagious. They may happen if you have a viral infection. They may also be triggered by stress, food allergies, lack of vitamins and minerals, hormonal changes or menstrual periods. In some cases the cause is unknown. In most cases, the sores go away by themselves. Some ointments, creams or rinses may help with the pain. Avoiding hot, spicy food while you have a canker sore also helps. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Resources Canker sore Canker Sore Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Canker Sore (Aphthous Ulcer) Logical Images Canker Sores American Academy of Family Physicians Canker Sores Nemours Foundation Canker Sores American Academy of Oral Medicine Canker Sores (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Canker Sores: Treatment American Academy of Oral Medicine Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Stomatitis, Aphthous National Institutes of Health Journal Articles Canker Sores
