A small sore inside the mouth can make eating, drinking, brushing your teeth and speaking unexpectedly uncomfortable. Canker sores and minor irritation caused by accidentally biting the cheek, dental appliances or other oral tissue trauma often improve with time, but symptom relief can make the healing period easier to manage.
Understanding the type of sore you have is important because not every mouth sore has the same cause or requires the same care.
What Is a Canker Sore?
Canker sores are small, painful sores that develop inside the mouth. They may appear on the inner lips or cheeks, beneath the tongue or toward the back of the throat.
A typical canker sore may have:
- A round or oval shape
- A white, gray or yellowish center
- A red border
- Localized pain, burning or tenderness
Canker sores are not contagious, and many resolve on their own. Their precise cause is not always known, but potential triggers can include stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, food sensitivities and minor injury to the mouth. MedlinePlus canker sore guidance
Canker Sores and Cold Sores Are Different
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, canker sores and cold sores are not the same.
Canker sores typically occur inside the mouth and are not contagious. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually develop as fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. Cold sores are contagious and may require different care, including antiviral medication in some cases. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
A product intended for minor mouth irritation should not automatically be assumed to treat the viral cause of a cold sore.
Common Causes of Minor Mouth Irritation
Not every uncomfortable area inside the mouth is a canker sore. Oral tissues may also become irritated by:
- Accidentally biting the tongue, lip or cheek
- Braces, retainers or dentures
- A sharp or damaged tooth
- Aggressive brushing
- Hot foods or beverages
- Hard, crunchy or abrasive foods
- Recent dental work
- Sensitivity to an oral care product
Identifying and removing the source of repeated irritation may help prevent the affected area from continuing to worsen.
Ways to Manage Minor Mouth Sore Discomfort
Avoid Foods That Irritate the Area
Spicy, acidic, salty, very hot or abrasive foods can make a mouth sore feel more painful. Choose softer, milder foods until the irritation improves.
Use Gentle Oral Care
Continue keeping your mouth clean, but brush carefully around the sore. A soft-bristled toothbrush may be more comfortable than a firm one.
Avoid Further Trauma
Try not to touch the sore with your fingers or repeatedly test it with your tongue. If braces, dentures or a damaged tooth are causing ongoing irritation, contact a dental professional.
Consider a Product Labeled for Oral Use
Products made specifically for use inside the mouth may provide temporary symptomatic relief from minor pain, burning or discomfort. Never place a standard skin-care product inside the mouth unless its label expressly states that it is intended for oral use.
Targeted Symptomatic Relief From ECOLEAF
ECOLEAF Mouth Sore Gel is a topical oral formula created to provide temporary symptomatic relief from pain, burning and discomfort associated with minor mouth irritation.
The concentrated gel format allows for targeted application to the affected area. Featured botanical ingredients include:
- Shepherd’s purse
- Spinach
- Stinging nettle
These featured ingredients should not be interpreted as the complete ingredient list. Review the product label for the complete formula, intended uses, application instructions and warnings.
Use the gel only as directed. Do not eat, drink or apply another oral product immediately after application unless permitted by the label.
When to See a Doctor or Dentist
Contact a healthcare or dental professional if a mouth sore:
- Is unusually large or painful
- Continues for more than a few weeks
- Returns frequently
- Makes it difficult to eat, drink or swallow
- Is accompanied by a high fever
- Develops signs of infection
- Appears alongside other unexplained symptoms
- May be related to a damaged tooth or poorly fitting dental appliance
Persistent or recurring mouth sores can have several possible causes and should not be repeatedly self-treated without evaluation.
Mouth Sores During Chemotherapy or Radiation
Cancer treatment can cause oral mucositis, an inflammation of the tissues inside the mouth and throat. It can lead to painful sores, difficulty swallowing, infection, dehydration and problems maintaining adequate nutrition. National Cancer Institute
Anyone receiving chemotherapy, radiation or another cancer treatment should speak with their oncology team before using ECOLEAF Mouth Sore Gel or any nonprescription oral product. Treatment-related mouth sores require professional guidance, even when a product is marketed for symptomatic relief.
Find Targeted Relief for Minor Mouth Discomfort
Minor mouth sores can be surprisingly disruptive. ECOLEAF Mouth Sore Gel offers convenient, targeted application for temporary symptomatic relief from the pain, burning and discomfort associated with minor mouth irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are canker sores contagious?
No. Canker sores are not contagious. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can spread to other people.
Can ECOLEAF Mouth Sore Gel cure a canker sore?
ECOLEAF Mouth Sore Gel is intended to provide temporary symptomatic relief from minor mouth pain, burning and discomfort. It should not be described as curing canker sores or eliminating their underlying cause.
Can I use ECOLEAF Mouth Sore Gel during chemotherapy?
Consult your oncology team before using any nonprescription oral product during chemotherapy or radiation. Cancer treatment-related mouth sores can require specialized care and monitoring.