Canker Sores - When Should You See a Dentist?

Answer: Canker sores are very common and they are not contagious. These irritating little sores will normally go away on their own in about one to two weeks.

Even though treatment is usually not necessary for a canker sore, you should see a dentistif one or more of the following occur:

• The canker sores persist more than two weeks
• The canker sore is unusually large (more than one centimeter in diameter)
• A persistent high fever accompanies the sores.
• The pain from the canker sore is unbearable
• You experience difficulty drinking with the sores

A dentist can easily diagnose and recognize the type of sore in your mouth based on where its located and how it looks.

• What is a Canker Sore?