Canker sores (clinically referred to as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis) afflict some 80% of the population. They usually manifest themselves as small white, painful lesions on the side or underneath the tongue (floor of the mouth), on the soft palate, tonsils or in the fold between the cheek and teeth. Canker sores differ from cold sores in that they occur in the soft tissues of your mouth and aren't contagious. Conversely, cold sores rarely develop in those areas of your mouth and are extremely contagious because they're caused by a virus.

The cause of canker sores remains a mystery. Researchers generally believe that stress or tissue injury may cause the eruption of common canker sores. Some researchers think that certain foods, for example, citrus fruits, tomatoes and some nuts, may complicate the problem. A minor injury, such as biting the inside of your mouth, may trigger a canker sore. Some medications, i.e. NSAIDs and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (found in most toothpastes and mouthwashes) will also precipitate an outbreak. Other contributing factors may be menstruation and tissue irritations from some dental treatment.

The duration of these sores is normally 7-10 days and although there is no known cure there has been a breakthrough, called Debacterol which is a semiviscous topical liquid. According to the manufacturer a single application stops pain in five (5) seconds, limiting lesions to five (5) days cutting the healing time in half. If you have ever suffered from Canker Sores you may want to check out the website for Debactarol by visiting: http://www.debacterol.com/ or by clicking here.