Canker Sores »
Canker sores facts
- Canker sores are small ulcer craters in the lining of the
mouth.
- The sores are usually found on the movable parts of the
mouth.
- The ulcers can be caused by a number of conditions.
- The treatment of canker sores depends on the cause.
What are canker sores?
Canker sores are small ulcer craters in the lining of the mouth that are frequently painful and sensitive. Canker sores are very common. About 20% of the population (one out of five people) have canker sores at any one time. Canker sores are also medically known as aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis.
Women are slightly more likely than men to have recurrent canker sores. It can occur at any age, but it is more commonly seen in teenagers. Genetic studies show that susceptibility to recurrent outbreaks of the sores is inherited in some patients. This partially explains why family members often share the ...
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