How do oral herpes sore look?

Q. Is my oral sore due to herpes infection?

Answered by
Dr. Prerna Jain
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Oct 01, 2016 and last reviewed on: Aug 27, 2023

Hi doctor,

Last week, I had a sore on the outside of my lower gum. My girlfriend, who is a dental assistant, told me that it is just a canker sore and it will go away. Now, I have one on the inside of the upper gum towards the roof of my mouth. If the second one is also a canker sore or is this something I obtained sexually from someone who had genital herpes? Is this an area of concern that I have an infection? Will it go away like the first one? Previously, I had maybe once or twice a year. I am currently on Adderall XR and Singulair.

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

These are called aphthous ulcers and commonly known as canker sores (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The reason why they occur is unknown. It could be a good allergy or vitamin B12 deficiency or stress ulcers. They occur as often as every two to three months and can be quite painful, affecting eating and speech as well. They should heal within three to six days. If not, then other diagnosis must be considered by an oral diagnostician. There is no definitive treatment. However, the discomfort can be minimized and healing can be faster by using topical anesthetic and antimicrobial gel before eating such as Mucopain gel (Benzocaine) and Metrogel (Metronidazole). If your ulcers are bigger than 4 mm to 5 mm or have associated fever or do not heal in two weeks or are getting bigger, then kindly contact your local dentist. Herpetic lesions have a different presentation and history. But if you have concerns, then you can go for an STD - sexually transmitted disease panel of investigations.


The Probable causes:

Citrus fruits like strawberries, pineapples or lime, etc., or nutritional deficiency or vitamin B12, folate or zinc deficiency.

Probable diagnosis:

Aphthous ulcers.

Treatment plan:

1. Mucopain gel (Anesthetic gel).

2. Chlorhexidine gel like Hexigel.

Preventive measures:

Avoid allergic food. Try to identify precipitating factor. Eat healthy balanced diet with fruits and vegetables. Follow meditation to lead a stress free life.

Regarding follow up:

For further information consult a dentist online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dentist


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Amla - a Treasure of Vitamin C

 Amla is probably, the richest source of Vitamin C in fresh as well as dry states ...  This fruit contains a chemical substance, which prevents the oxidation of vitamin in it ...   Read full

Does oral or genital herpes show symptoms like bloody blisters in mouth?

.. may be oral lichen planus which is an autoimmune issue which is treatable. Or this can be aphthous stomatitis which are oral ulcers and they are also treatable. They flare due to low immunity of any reason, low iron in the blood, B12 deficiency, stress   Read full

I had unprotected sex and got ulcer in scrotum and mouth. Will it be herpes?

Apply some gel like Orajel (Benzocaine) on the mouth ulcers and stay for 5 minutes ...   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Dentist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.