Are Canker Sores Contagious

Canker sores are small ulcers, inside the mouth. They usually are white, gray or a yellow color with a red border. In medical terms, a canker sore is called ‘Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)’. In layman's language, canker sores are known as mouth ulcers. Many of us have a question are canker sores contagious like cold sores? Before that, we should know the causes of canker sores in the mouth.

Canker Sores
A canker sore is a common occurrence between the age 10 and 20, but they can reoccur any other time as well. Women are more affected with it, as compared to men. In women, canker sores are often observed during their menstrual cycle. These canker sores on tongue seem as though, there are pimples on the tongue.

Canker Sore Causes
What are the causes of canker sores is still an area that requires much research. Studies point towards a localized autoimmune disorder. It is understood, that immune cells (white blood cells) of the body attack the cell lining in the mouth and cause these harmless, but irritating cells. However, there are other factors, which lead to the autoimmune disorder. The contributing factors are some ingredients in toothpaste (containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), some food products, trauma to the lining in mouth, fatigue and stress.

Genetics also has a role to play in canker sores. If you chew a sharp piece of food or bite the inside of your mouth or your tongue, it can give rise to canker sores. Canker sores can also be caused, due to deficiency of iron or vitamin B12. In some cases, allergy to certain foods can also give rise to a canker sore. Some food items which can cause canker sores due to an allergy, are chocolate, peanut butter, sea food, wheat products, nuts and milk.

Are Canker Sores Contagious?
Cold sores are caused by a virus, hence they are contagious. Canker sores on the other hand are neither contagious nor precancerous, as they are not caused by a bacteria or a virus. There are health care professionals who advise people with canker sores not to kiss. The reason is, there are chances, that bacteria from the other person's mouth can infect the canker sores, which are open wounds.

Canker Sore Cures
Canker sores take approximately 7 to 10 days to heal completely. Normally they heal on their own. Use of non-topical ointments , like numbing agents or protective ointments, is common. In case of pain, pain killers can be used for temporary relief. Vitamin B12, iron and folic acid supplements can also aid in canker sores treatment. Use of anti-microbial mouth rinse can help to reduce the irritation associated with canker sores. In case, you notice a secondary infection, as a result of canker sores, you will have to get in touch with your health care professional. There is a possibility, that the health care professional will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the secondary infection. For further information read more on cure for canker sores.

It is recommended, that the person avoids spicy, hot or any kind of acidic food or beverages. All of them can irritate the canker sore and add to your discomfort. Avoid eating food like nuts and chips, which are sharp and can poke the sore. Read more on canker sore remedies.

One home remedy for a canker sore is to dab hydrogen peroxide and water in equal quantity on the sore followed by milk of magnesia. This remedy will help heal the sore quickly and it will also reduce the discomfort associated with canker sores. Putting wet black tea bags also helps in alleviating pain associated with canker sore, as tea contains tannin, which helps in reducing pain. Read more on canker sore home remedies.

For more information, refer to

• How to Get Rid of Canker Sores
• How to Treat Canker Sores

I hope you have found an answer to your question "are canker sores contagious". I have also attempted to add material related to canker sore causes and cures in the article. I hope the information proves helpful to you.