{"id":241,"date":"2025-03-03T19:33:38","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T19:33:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardsonortho.com\/blog\/?p=241"},"modified":"2025-04-25T19:35:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T19:35:09","slug":"what-do-about-canker-sores-cold-sores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardsonortho.com\/blog\/2025\/03\/03\/what-do-about-canker-sores-cold-sores\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do About Canker Sores and Cold Sores"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You were simply going about your morning routine when you happened to notice something while looking in your mirror. There\u2019s a red bump on your mouth! Should you be alarmed? Or will it go away on its own? Also \u2013 what exactly is <\/em>it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you\u2019re looking at is most likely either a canker sore or cold sore.<\/a> They can be bothersome, but aren\u2019t usually serious, and can typically be treated at home. Keep reading to learn what the difference is between these two oral sores and what you should do next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Difference Between a Canker Sore and a Cold Sore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Canker sores and cold sores are very similar. They both develop around your mouth, and often look and feel the same. However, canker sores usually form inside <\/em>your mouth, while cold sores usually form near your lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers are totally sure what causes canker sores, but they believe that it has something to do with nutrient deficiencies, stress, oral injury, or hormone fluctuations. They do know what causes cold sores: HSV, also known as herpes. Before you panic, know that HSV is actually extremely common! It\u2019s also very contagious, and can be spread by kissing or sharing utensils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs You Might Need Medical Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These two types of oral sores do usually go away on their own, and can be treated with OTC pain relievers or topical gels. That said, you should seek treatment and visit your doctor if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n