Canker sores, medically recognized as aphthous ulcers, are a common source of oral discomfort for many people. These small but painful ulcers can appear anywhere in your mouth, from the inner surfaces of your lips and cheeks to the base of your gums and even under your tongue. It’s important to distinguish canker sores from cold sores, which typically appear on the outer surfaces of the lips or the corners of the mouth.
Canker sores are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border. They can make eating, drinking, and even speaking a painful experience. The exact cause of canker sores remains unknown, but they are often linked to factors such as stress, minor injuries inside the mouth, acidic or spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, zinc, folic acid, and iron), hormonal changes, and certain autoimmune diseases.
