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Canker Sores of the Mouth

Picture of canker sores of the mouth

Illustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are painful white ulcers in the mouth. They appear most often on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lips. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious, but in some people they keep coming back. Canker sores cause pain that may make it difficult to speak or eat.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Last Revised August 31, 2010

Last Revised: August 31, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry

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