Mouth sores are uncomfortable no matter the cause. Most of the time, they turn out to be harmless canker sores that heal within a week or two. Yet when one sticks around or shows up alongside other symptoms, it’s a good idea to ask whether you need more serious medical attention.
At Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven, we’re open seven days a week to evaluate symptoms like these. We’ll examine the sore, consider what else might be going on with your symptoms and help you figure out the kind of treatment you need.
What does a canker sore look like?
Canker sores are small, oval sores that form inside the mouth. According to Medline Plus, they often have a white or yellow appearance with a red outline, and they usually appear on the inner lips, cheeks or under the tongue.
These sores aren’t contagious and usually go away on their own within one to two weeks. Most canker sores are often less than a centimeter wide, but larger ones can sometimes form and may take longer to heal. If a sore is unusually big, deep or painful, have it evaluated.
Common causes of canker sores
Canker sores can develop for any number of reasons, but they often result from dietary irritation or changes in your routine. Accidentally biting your cheek or brushing too hard can be enough to trigger a canker sore.
Yet other causes might include:
- Eating spicy foods
- Deficiencies in iron, folate or vitamin B12
- Toothpaste and common mouthwash ingredients
A weakened immune system can also make you more prone to mouth ulcers. Minor irritations can make the mouth’s tissue more sensitive if you have been recovering from a cold or have been feeling sickly.
During your evaluation, we’ll ask about any recent diet or medication changes, as well as your oral care habits. Our goal is to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
When it might be something more than a canker sore
It’s important to know that not all mouth ulcers are simple canker sores. The Cleveland Clinic warns that certain viral or fungal infections like Candida albicans can cause similar symptoms, and some conditions can even lead to persistent and recurring lesions in your mouth.
You should come in for an evaluation if you’re noticing:
- A sore that hasn’t improved after two weeks
- Pain that makes eating or drinking difficult
- Swelling or redness that keeps spreading
- Recurring sores that don’t seem to stay gone
Sores caused by a virus, such as oral herpes, often appear in clusters and may appear with flu-like symptoms. Cases like these often require prescription medication to resolve, so we’ll assess your symptoms to help narrow down the source.
How urgent care can help you
At Getwell Urgent Care, we’ll inspect what’s going on inside your mouth and how long you’ve been dealing with these sores. Expect us to ask about your medical history and any oral health products you’ve been using — these are frequent contributors to canker sores, according to the Mayo Clinic.
We may recommend:
- Topical treatments to ease your pain
- Antiviral or antifungal medications if we suspect an infection
- Bloodwork to check for nutrient deficiencies
If you need a referral to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, we’ll talk you through that process based on your symptoms and findings. We can handle most concerns at our urgent care clinic, but we won’t hesitate to refer out when it’s appropriate.
What you can do for your canker sores at home
If your mouth sore turns out to be a standard canker sore, there are ways to ease the discomfort while it heals. Saltwater rinses, over-the-counter numbing gels and avoiding spicy or crunchy foods can make a noticeable difference. If the canker sores keep coming back, we can talk you through preventive lifestyle changes you can make to head them off.
Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep may help prevent future sores, especially if stress or fatigue is a factor. If your mouth has been more sensitive lately, we may also look at medications that could be affecting your sores.
Getting an urgent care evaluation is easy
Don’t let a lingering mouth sore keep causing problems. Visit Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven any day of the week to get it taken care of — we’re open from morning through evening and always accept walk-ins. Reserve your spot online or visit us today to get the care you need.