Canker Sores Vs. Cold Sores
These two common ailments are often confused with one another. See the information below to determine which one you may suffer from & what treatments our office has available for you.
Canker Sores
AKA – Apthous Ulcers
Occur INSIDE the mouth
![](https://www.markharrisdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Canker-sore1.jpg)
![](https://www.markharrisdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/canker-sore2.jpg)
Cause – Unknown
Painful but NOT CONTAGIOUS
Treatment – Debacterol (Encourages healing & reduces pain)
![](https://www.markharrisdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/debacterol.jpg)
Cold Sores
AKA – Fever Blisters
Generally occur OUTSIDE the mouth (Lips, chin, cheeks & nostrils)
![](https://www.markharrisdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/coldsore2.jpg)
![](https://www.markharrisdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ColdSore1.jpg)
Cause – Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS
Treatment – Viroxyn (Lessens healing time to 3 days)
![](https://www.markharrisdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/viroxyn.jpg)