I got a sore spot inside my cheek right by my lip. Can you tell me please what is the difference between canker sore and a cold sore? I want it to go away ASAP.
Patti Roberts, Jeffersonville, IN
Let’s see if we can help you heal that sore spot in a jiffy. The difference between a canker sore and a cold sore is location. If it’s inside your mouth, chances are it’s a canker sore. If it’s on the outside of your lip, it’s probably a cold sore. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. Canker sores happen when you damage the inside of your mouth. They form when you bite or chew on your lip, or eat a lot of acidic food.
Take a look at this article to see a photo of a canker sore for comparison: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-canker-sore-wonderful-home-remedies/
Since these kinds of sores have different causes, they also have different treatments. Because the wound is inside your cheek, I’ll give you some tips to heal a canker sore fast.
First, the fastest way to stop the pain from a canker is to apply an over-the-counter medication. For example, Anbesol and Orabase are two well-known brands of oral gels. You might also try taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen. Sucking on an icy popsicle will numb the pain, too.
Then, to help your mouth heal as fast as possible, avoid eating spicy and acidic foods for a few days. Get enough rest and brush your teeth regularly to keep bacteria under control. Swish with hydrogen peroxide like you would with a mouthwash. And consider trying one of the home remedies in the article I mentioned above.
There are many natural ways to make a canker sore go away faster. You can treat it with honey, aloe, eucalyptus or peppermint oils, and even baking soda.