| Canker sores are referred to as recurrent aphthous | | | | toothpastes and food items, stress, fatigue or injury |
| stomatitis in medical terms. In layman's term, they | | | | to the lining of the mouth. In addition, deficiency of |
| are called mouth ulcers. Many people cannot | | | | Vitamin B12 or iron can also cause these ulcers. |
| differentiate between canker sores and cold sores | | | | Now coming to whether canker sores are contagious |
| and this leads them to believe that these sores are | | | | or not. Given the fact that these ulcers are not |
| contagious. | | | | caused by bacteria or virus clearly proves that they |
| Before we see whether canker sores are contagious | | | | are not contagious. This is in sharp contrast to cold |
| or not, let us first have a look at how they are | | | | sores, which are caused by a virus. Doctors usually |
| caused. Usually these sores are seen among people | | | | tell people with the outbreak to refrain from kissing |
| aged between 10 and 20 years. But, the can occur at | | | | because bacteria from the other person's mouth |
| any time. Women are more prone to canker sores | | | | could aggravate the ulcers and not because they are |
| than men, and the sores often appear during the | | | | contagious. |
| menstrual cycle. | | | | The ulcers usually heal on their own within a fortnight. |
| Although the exact cause of disease is not known, | | | | However, in order to relieve the pain and discomfort, |
| studies have revealed that it is an autoimmune | | | | you can use topical ointments or painkillers. Taking a |
| disorder. It is believed that the cells of the body | | | | supplement of Vitamin B12 and iron can also hasten |
| attack the lining of the mouth causing the sores. In | | | | the healing process. Sometimes, doctors prescribe |
| addition, certain other factors can result in canker | | | | antibiotics, but only when there is secondary infection. |
| sores. These factors include allergy to ingredients in | | | | |