A canker sore is a common form of mouth ulcer, which
appears as a painful white or yellow ulcer surrounded by a bright
red area. A canker sore sore can be triggered by emotional stress,
dietary deficiencies, menstrual periods, hormonal changes, food
allergies or trauma in the mouth. Canker sores usually heal without
treatment within two weeks.
Review Date: 02/17/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
