Difference between Canker and Cold Sores

You may have experienced irritation and sore type infection in or around the mouth. But it may be a challenge for you to tell the type of infection you had, especially when your dentist asks you if it was cold or canker sore. Hence, knowing the difference between the both is important because treatment for both also differ.

Both of these sores appear in different areas. Canker sores appear in the mouth. They are round in shape and are white in color surrounded by red halo. Cold sore is typically an external infection which appears on or near the lip. These sores are usually fluid-filled.

The necessity of knowing the difference between both is due to the fact that both have different properties. For instance, cold sores are highly contagious. Therefore, dentists and doctors do not only treat this infection but they also ask the patient to follow preventive measures in order to not let this infection to transfer to the others.

Canker sores

Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. The main reason for a canker sore to happen is irritation which can occur as a result of allergies. Acidic foods can also trigger the production of canker sores.

In some instances, the canker sores can occur as a result of trauma in the mouth. When a tissue gets injured due to impact of sharp object, possibly the sharp edge of tooth, inflammation can occur. As a result, the sore can appear.

Some people are sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which is an ingredient inside a lot of toothpastes. Generally, this ingredient is very harsh for a human mouth. People who tolerate it would have no issue but SLS-sensitive people find it painful.

The treatment and prevention of canker sores is quite simple, i.e. stay away from the acidic and allergic foods. Good news is that it is not a big issue to worry about.

Cold sores

These sores are also called fever blisters, which happen to appear on the people who carry HSV-1 virus. This virus is pretty different to the one which causes genital herpes. It has been unfortunate that most of the people in US carry this virus, which means they are prone to get these sores appeared on their bodies. And when these sores appear, they can cause an outbreak due to several factors which may include hormonal changes, stress, suppressed immune system, and fatigue.

While it’s important to get these sores treated, you shouldn’t feel any shame while talking about it with your dentist. You will be given remedies to get this problem healed. The typical remedies for this infection include Viroxyn or Denavir. Then you can ask your dentist to suggest you the anti-viral medication which suits you well.