Mouth sores are lesions or ulcers that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. While many mouth sores are minor and heal on their own, persistent, painful, or frequently recurring sores may require professional evaluation.
There are different types of mouth sores, including:
Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers): Small, painful ulcers inside the mouth.
Cold Sores (Fever Blisters): Fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, usually outside the mouth.
Oral Thrush: A fungal infection caused by Candida yeast.
Leukoplakia: Thick, white patches that could signal irritation or, rarely, early signs of cancer.
Lichen Planus: A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes.
