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Are canker sores that last for months a sign of herpes?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am getting canker sores for the past two months. I am attaching the picture. I do not have anything on the lips or any other place on my tongue. It presents on the edge and head of the tongue. Before a day of getting this, I was trying to look inside my mouth using a spoon. I used the spoon to push my tongue down.

Can I have herpes or a bacterial infection?

Sometimes I have a dry throat.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Education:

MDS Periodontology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bharat Joshi is a highly skilled Periodontologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Joshi is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, to help patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve long-lasting, healthy smiles through personalized and evidence-based dental care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity), you seem to have canker sores. You can have it due to ingestion of hot foods or a tongue bite. I think that you do not have a fever, and so I rule out herpes. You can have a nutritional deficiency. You do not need investigations now.

Please mention whether you have any drug allergies or any other associated symptoms so that I can give you a correct diagnosis and suggest a treatment. Maintain your oral hygiene.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At October 1, 2020
Reviewed At January 7, 2026

Education:

MDS Periodontology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bharat Joshi is a highly skilled Periodontologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Joshi is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, to help patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve long-lasting, healthy smiles through personalized and evidence-based dental care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MDS Periodontology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bharat Joshi is a highly skilled Periodontologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Joshi is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, to help patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve long-lasting, healthy smiles through personalized and evidence-based dental care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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