If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how disruptive that tiny ulcer can be. Eating, drinking, and even talking can suddenly feel like a challenge. But what exactly is a canker sore, and why do they happen in the first place?
What Is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore, also called an aphthous ulcer, is a small, shallow lesion that develops inside the mouth—commonly on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or the base of the gums. Unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus and appear outside the mouth, canker sores are not contagious.
They usually appear as round or oval spots with a white or yellow center and a red border. Most clear up within 1–2 weeks on their own, but the discomfort during that time can feel disproportionately intense compared to their size.
Why Do People Get Canker Sores?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but researchers point to several contributing factors:
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Stress: Emotional stress and fatigue are strongly linked to outbreaks. (This is why I get them regularly!)
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Injury or Irritation: Accidentally biting your cheek, braces, or even aggressive toothbrushing can trigger sores.
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Nutritional Factors: Low levels of certain vitamins or minerals (like B12, iron, or zinc) may play a role.
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Food Sensitivities: Acidic foods (like citrus and tomatoes), spicy meals, and even chocolate are common triggers.
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Hormonal Changes: Some people notice a pattern around menstruation.
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Immune System Response: Canker sores are thought to involve a localized immune reaction inside the mouth.
Why Do They Hurt So Much?
The inside of the mouth is rich in nerve endings, and when a small area of tissue becomes irritated, those nerves are exposed. Everyday actions—chewing, drinking, brushing your teeth—can aggravate the sore and intensify discomfort.
Current Approaches
Most over-the-counter products focus on temporary comfort—like mouth rinses, numbing gels, or protective pastes. While they can ease pain, they often don’t stay in place long enough to provide consistent relief.
A New Option Coming Soon
That’s where we come in. At Soluvia, we’ve developed a proprietary CankerCare Patch (launching soon)—a dissolvable patch designed to combine three key benefits:
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Comfort: Gentle soothing support where you need it most.
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Protection: A discreet barrier that helps shield the area from irritation.
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Convenience: Portable, dissolvable, and easy to use anytime, anywhere.
Our goal is to make care simpler and more effective for everyday life. The CankerCare Patch is the product we always wished existed—and soon, it will.
* This article was created with the support of AI tools and carefully reviewed and edited by our team. It is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This image is also AI-generated.
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