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It is common to wonder whether you have a canker sore or a cold sore, as these two painful mouth lesions look similar at first glance. They are nevertheless very different: a canker sore is a benign, non-contagious ulceration inside the mouth, while a cold sore is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects the edge of the lips.
key points to remember
- A canker sore is located inside the mouth, while a cold sore appears on or around the lips.
- A canker sore is a flat ulceration; a cold sore forms clusters of blisters followed by a scab.
- A canker sore is not contagious; a cold sore, which is viral in origin, is highly contagious.
- If in doubt or if the lesion persists, a dentist or doctor can make the diagnosis.
Canker sore or cold sore: two very different lesions
The confusion comes from the fact that both cause sharp pain and a small lesion near the mouth. But their nature is completely different. A canker sore is a simple ulceration of the mucous membrane, with no microorganism involved, caused by irritation or an underlying sensitivity.
A cold sore, also called oral herpes, is caused by a virus, most often herpes simplex virus type 1. Once contracted, this virus remains in the body and can reactivate due to fatigue, fever, stress or sun exposure.
To learn more about the first of these two lesions, the complete guide to canker sores details its causes, symptoms and treatments.
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How can you tell a canker sore from a cold sore?
Three factors are often enough to distinguish them: location, appearance and contagiousness. The table below summarizes the most useful differences.
The canker sore
It appears inside the mouth (cheeks, tongue or gums) as a flat white or yellowish ulceration bordered by red. It is not contagious.
The cold sore
It appears on or around the lips as clusters of fluid-filled blisters that burst and then form a scab. It is highly contagious.
The onset
A canker sore begins with tingling and then an ulceration; a cold sore begins with tingling and redness before the blisters appear.
Recurrence
A canker sore returns in different locations; a cold sore often recurs in the same place because the virus remains in the body.
Contagiousness, progression and care
The distinction is important in practice. Since cold sores are contagious, avoid kissing and sharing cutlery or towels, and do not touch the lesion to prevent spreading the virus. A canker sore, on the other hand, cannot be transmitted, but it remains sensitive to irritation. Both generally heal within one to two weeks.
In both cases, keeping your mouth clean and taking care of sensitive areas helps improve comfort. Regular but very gentle brushing is valuable: the Y-Brush sonic toothbrush cleans each jaw in ten seconds with soft filaments, without irritating a fragile mucous membrane. The Y-Brush is 2× more efficient than traditional electric toothbrushes, according to tests conducted by Y-Brush (see the clinical studies): this brushing, 2× more efficient than with a traditional electric toothbrush, helps keep your mouth healthy. If you have a cold sore, it is best to change the brush head once the outbreak has ended.
Canker sore or cold sore: when should you consult a professional?
Most often, both lesions heal on their own. But if you remain unsure of their nature, if they recur very often, spread or do not heal, seeking professional advice is useful to establish the correct diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
