Dong-Ye Acupuncture

Susan Hathaway, PhD, AP

 

Recurrent canker sores are one of the most common inflammatory conditions of the mouth, affliction about 20 percent of the general population.  The medical terms for canker sores are aphthous stomatitis or aphthae.

Canker sores begin as small oval or round reddish swellings, usually on the movable parts of the mouth such as the tongue and the inside linings of the lips and cheeks.  These swellings usually rupture within a day, are covered by a thin white or yellow membrane, and become edged by a red halo.  The size of the sores varies from being an eighth of an inch wide in minor infections to an inch and a quarter wide in more severe cases.  Fever is rare and there rarely is an association of canker sores with other diseases.  Usually a person will only experience a single or a few canker sores at a time.  These sores generally heal within 2 weeks. Severe forms of the sores may leave scars.  

Most people experience their first bout with canker sores when they are between the ages of 10 and 20 although children as young as 2 years of age may develop the condition.  The frequency of canker sore recurrences varies considerably.  Some people may only experience one or two episodes a year, whereas others may have a continuous series of canker sores.  Most people experience tingling or pain in the area of the mouth where canker sores later develop.  Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the symptoms associated with Canker Sores with herbal combinations.