Healthy Smile: Is This A Cold Sore?

by Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD of The Healthy Smile

There is so much confusion regarding sores or bumps in the mouth. Patients often show me a wide array of swellings and uncomfortable areas in and around the mouth. The good news is that the overwhelming majority of these heal within a week or two. In rare circumstances, we need to investigate further and perform additional tests. Today, I want to focus on the most common types of these nuisances and how to deal with them. There are so many times that I see patients misdiagnose their problems and apply or take the wrong medicine.

The two most common of these both begin with the letter “C.” The first is called a “cold sore,” and the second is called a “canker sore.” See how confusing this can be. I will try to describe them and break down the differences.

The word canker means destructive. It destroys the tissue on the inside of the mouth. The term that dentists use for this is an “aphthous ulcer.” The correct pronunciation is AF-THUS. An ulcer is an open wound that appears on the skin or other linings of the body. The inside of the mouth is an example of that lining. Whether we call it a canker sore or an aphthous ulcer, we are referring to a destructive sore. A canker sore or aphthous ulcer is different than a cold sore, which does not destroy or make a hole. In other words, it is not destructive.

A cold sore is the result of the Herpes virus. It usually appears on the outside of the lips. Once you get this a cold sore, you will always be prone to getting one. The cause of a cold sore is a virus that resides in you and comes out with the proper stimulus. A cold sore is contagious. while an aphthous ulcer is not contagious.

One of the best ways to treat a cold sore is with some powerful prescription medication, and it works best when you catch it before it gets too far along. There are also over the counter products which you can try. These medicines don’t work as well as the one prescribed by your dentist or physician. Aphthous ulcers, on the other hand, also have a prescription component, but there are also home remedies that work well.

I follow the writings of an expert in the field of nutrition, Dr. Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM. He recently quoted a study concerning aphthous ulcers. Three treatments were studied — over the counter medicine, a steroid ointment, and honey. Yes, you read that correctly. The use of honey for a wound dressing has been around for centuries. In this study, the honey application beat the other two approaches in the speed of healing. In addition to pain relief, a size reduction of 50% occurred in just one day.

This quoted research is just one study, and more are needed. My feeling on this is that there is nothing to lose when you find you have a canker sore. It is much less expensive than any other treatment and usually readily available.

Of course, there can be some severe mouth sores, and unless you are entirely sure, it is always best to have it examined by a professional. If you would like me to evaluate something new or current in your mouth, please call Joyce at 440-892-1810. I will be more than happy to help you to the best of my ability.

Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.

The Healthy Smile • 27239 Wolf Road, Bay Village, OH 44140 • 440-892-1810 • www.jeffreygrossdds.com