What Are Those Sores In My Mouth?

There was a question from a reader posted in the April 2008 issue of Self, that Dr. Lisa Callahan, M.D. answered. I found it particularly interesting because I used to have this problem. The reader asked, "I sometimes get tiny, painful sores on my tongue, are they cold sores?" The answer? They're probably aphthous ulcers, aka canker sores, which typically pop up inside the mouth on the tongue, gums, cheeks or lips. The cause isn't exactly known, but they are associated with stress as well as deficiencies in nutrients such as iron or B12, food allergies and even biting the inside of your cheek. Canker sores are typically nothing to worry about, and the sores usually heal on their own within a couple of weeks. To ease discomfort while you heal suck on an ice cube, rinse with salt water or pop an over-the-counter pain reliever. To avoid the sores in the future, keep your immune system up and running during times of stress with plenty of rest and moderate exercise, and by eating a well-balanced diet, and consider taking a multivitamin if you think you're falling short on nutrients. If the sores linger more than three weeks, see a doctor as you might have an infection.