Mouth sores are caused by viral, fungal or bacterial infections, ill-fitting dentures, sharp teeth or loose orthodontic wire.

Canker sores can be triggered by acidic food, injury or emotional stress lasting 2 weeks & nothing makes them go away. Cold sores or fever blisters result from the herpes simplex virus type 1 via saliva or skin contact remaining dormant & emerging from a cold or fever, emotional stress or sun overexposure. Treat with Valtrex, Zovirax & Famvir but there is no cure. Thrush occurs when the Candida albicans fungus collects on the mouth resulting in white lesions in those with compromised immune systems, who wear dentures or inhale corticosteroids & babies. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus, common in young children includes red lesions in the mouth, red rash on hands & feet, fever, sore throat & general malaise. There is no treatment. The virus lasts 7-10 days. An oral anesthetic helps with pain while acetaminophen relieves the malaise.