Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear inside the mouth, unlike cold sores, which form on the lips and are caused by a virus. They are not contagious, and common triggers include minor injury from a hard brush or braces, acidic or spicy foods, stress, and sometimes a shortage of iron or vitamin B12.
Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks, helped by rinsing with warm salt water, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, and keeping the mouth clean with a gentle brush. If an ulcer is unusually large, keeps coming back, or fails to heal after two weeks, have it checked at Orchid Dental Wellness so anything more serious can be ruled out.