Canker sore vs. Cold sore

Most people have often mistaken canker sore and cold sore to be the same thing. They are not.

• Cold sores are also known as herpes simplex type 1 or fever blisters.
• They are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that are clustered together.
• Cold sores are caused by viruses and are highly contagious.
• It appears outside of your mouth—usually under the nose or surrounding the lips.

Canker Sore Symptoms are:

• A painful lesion (cut, often 1 centimeter in length) inside your mouth can be located on your inner cheeks, tongue, gums, or the top of the mouth.
• Often round with white or gray color with a red edge border to show inflammation.
• It may cause fever and fatigue in most people.
• It can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Generally, cold sores are not severe, but it causes unusual large sores that can spread.
• Sores that can last up to 1 to 3 weeks to heal.
• You should avoid certain acidic or citrus foods to avoid extreme pain.
• You may take over the counter pain medication to relieve the pain and discomfort.

Contact your dentist if you feel the following symptoms above and the problem persists. At Periodontal Associates, Dr. Patil and staff will be more than happy to take care of your situation or will guide you with more useful and helpful tips until your canker sore fully heals.