Canker Sores or Cold Sores

Canker Sores or Cold Sores: What to do for First Aid

When it comes to the first aid steps for sores in the mouth the first step is to discover what type of sore you are experiencing.  How do you do that?  Let’s take a look . . .

Canker Sore Vs Cold Sore

How do I know if I have a cold sore or a canker sore? Have you ever asked yourself this question? There are three main differences to help know if you have a canker sore or a cold sore:

• Location: 

Where a sore is located can help you identify what type of sore it is. If a sore is on  the outside of your mouth, it is a cold sore.  If a sore is on the inside of your mouth it is a canker sore.

• Appearance:

What a sore looks like can aid you in identifying what type of sore it is. With a canker sore, you can see either white or gray sores enclosed by an area that is red and inflamed.  With a cold sore, you can see cloudy blisters.

• Causes: 

The cause of a sore can also be an indicator of the type of sore you are experiencing. Viruses are the main cause of cold sores, on the other hand, the cause of canker sores are unknown, and the cause of a canker can be different for each person.

Once you have assessed the type of sore you have here are other steps to take for first aid:

1. Call dentist: Call your dentist for an emergency dental appointment, and to let them know what you are experiencing.
2. 2-week wait: Know that most cold sores or canker sores will heal on their own within two weeks.
3. Evaluate: When at the dentist, getting an evaluation is important, especially if the sores you have are sticking around after two weeks.
4. 2 treatment options: If your emergency dental appointment happens during the two-week wait then you have two options. You can ask about over-the-counter medication recommendations, or if your dentist offers laser dentistry, ask if they provide laser treatments to help sores heal faster.
5. Over-the-counter: Check the pharmacy aisle in your local grocery store for medication that can be used for relieving  your symptoms. Be sure to buy a product that is for the type of sore that you have.
6. Avoid: Avoid sharing food, drinks, or accidentally using someone else’s toothbrush. Some sores can be contagious.

A Note on Canker Sores and Cold Sores as a Dental Emergency

In most cases, canker sores and cold cores are dental emergencies that are non-urgent, you may find that your dentist will make you an emergency dental appointment, within a 24-72 hour timeframe based on what information you give about your sores and symptoms.  On the other hand, there are symptoms of both cold sores and canker sores that make this type of dental emergency urgent, and you will want to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following;

• Size: The size of your sores are really large
• Sore area: The area of your mouth that is infected with a cold sore or canker is spreading
• Timeframe: The cold sore or canker sore has laster more than three weeks, and has not healed on its own
• Pain level: The pain level you are experiencing is very high and not bearable dispite any medications you are using.
• Fever: You have a high  fever with your sores
• Liquids: You have challenges swallowing liquids like water