Are Canker Sores an STD?

Sores in and around the mouth have a variety of causes: injuries, nutritional deficiencies, medication side effects, and even STD symptoms. While you may think you have a canker sore, you may not know what caused it or whether you can spread it to others — sexually or otherwise. 

If you are not sure whether a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is causing your mouth sores, a rapid STD test can let you know in just 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, Rapid STD Testing answers the question, “Are canker sores an STD?” We also cover what triggers canker sores, the risk factors in their development, how long they usually last, and how you can prevent and treat them.

Canker Sores vs. STDs: Understanding the Differences

Both STDs and canker sores can result in oral lesions that are often painful. However, there are many differences between the two conditions, including what causes them.

Canker sores are small, round ulcers that develop in the soft tissues of the mouth. Common locations include the inner cheeks and lips, the tongue, gums, and back of the throat. Typically white with a red border, canker sores can cause pain for several days.

Comparing Canker Sores With STDs

Several STDs can cause sores in the mouth. If you’re wondering, “How can I tell the difference between a canker sore and an STD-related oral sore?” we’ll go over how STD sores and canker sores are different.

Herpes simplex virus

Like canker sores, cold sores are small, painful mouth lesions. Unlike canker sores, cold sores form as blisters on the outside of the lips rather than as ulcers inside the mouth. In addition, cold sores are the result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

You can contract the herpes virus through sexual activity, non-sexual contact such as kissing, or sharing infected objects (like razors or utensils). Although antiviral medications can help prevent herpes outbreaks, the virus stays in your body forever.

Syphilis

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, can also cause round oral sores. These lesions (called chancres) tend to be painless, unlike canker sores. While chancres most often appear on the genitals, they can also appear on the mouth, lips, tongue, and tonsils. Since chancres don’t cause pain, they often go unnoticed. They clear up with antibiotic treatment.

Chancroid

The result of a sexually transmitted bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi, chancroid causes painful sores in the throat or on the genitals. Chancroid is rare in the United States.

Common Misconceptions

Unlike syphilis and chancroid, canker sores are non-contagious mouth sores. It is not clear exactly what causes canker sores, but you cannot transmit them through sexual activity.

Because both STDs and canker sores can affect your mouth, many people wonder, “Are canker sores an STD?” The truth is that canker sores are not STDs. Here are other common misconceptions about them. 

• Myth: Canker sores come from the herpes virus — In reality, you do not get canker sores from the herpes simplex virus. 
• Myth: Canker sores and cold sores are the same — Canker sores appear inside your mouth, while cold sores appear on your lips due to the herpes virus. 
• Myth: Canker sores are contagious — Unlike oral STDs, you cannot get canker sores from contact with others.

Causes and Risk Factors of Canker Sores

While the exact causes of canker sores are unknown, scientists and doctors have identified several risk factors and likely triggers.

Canker sore causes include the following:

• Injury to the mucous membranes in the mouth, even minor events like biting your lip or brushing too hard
• Irritation from dental work or dental appliances like braces, retainers, or dentures
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• The consumption of very salty, spicy, or acidic foods
• Nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, or iron
• Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, and antibiotics
• Some ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is in many toothpastes and mouthwashes
• Tobacco usage, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco 
• Stress
• Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during a menstrual cycle 

Some people are more likely to develop canker sores based on factors such as the following:

• Gender: Women are more likely to get canker sores than men due to hormonal changes.
• Age: While anyone can develop canker sores, they occur more often in young people in their teens and 20s. 
• Immune conditions: Canker sores more frequently develop in those with weakened immune systems, such as occurs with HIV, lupus, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. 

Genetic Predisposition

Because canker sores often run in families, researchers believe there might be a hereditary component. As many as 40% of patients have a family history of canker sores (called aphthous ulcers in medical terminology). People who carry certain genetic variants involved in pro-inflammatory responses are more likely to develop canker sores earlier and more severely.

One of the more painful conditions relating to ulcers of the mouth is called recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Present in around 5% to 20% of the general population, RAS causes recurrent episodes of shallow, painful sores every few months or even every few days. Studies have shown that genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of RAS.

Impact of Oral Health on Canker Sores

Canker sores do not come from poor oral hygiene habits. However, poor oral health can exacerbate your condition. For example, food particles or residue in your mouth may trigger or worsen a canker sore. 

While it may be uncomfortable to brush your teeth when you have a sore, it is important to maintain good oral health and hygiene by brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and drinking plenty of water.

Treatment and Prevention of Canker Sores 

Most simple canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment. If you have complex or major canker sores, they may take up to four weeks to heal and may leave a scar in the mucous membrane. 

Effective Treatments

Canker sore treatments depend on the underlying causes and symptom severity. Some common treatments include:

• Mouthwashes containing antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine, or anti-inflammatories like dexamethasone
• Topical anesthetics such as benzocaine and lidocaine to numb the pain
• Corticosteroid creams like beclomethasone, fluocinonide, or hydrocortisone hemisuccinate to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotic medications (such as doxycycline) for recurrent canker sores
• Vitamins to treat nutritional deficiencies
• Laser treatment to relieve pain and shorten healing time
• Cauterization (burning) of the sore to sterilize it, reduce pain, and speed up healing

In minor cases, over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and promote healing. In severe or recurrent cases, prescription medications can reduce inflammation and aid healing.

Home Care Tips

If you’re looking for the best way to treat canker sores at home, know that at-home treatments cannot instantly heal mouth ulcers. However, the following remedies may help manage the pain and promote healing:

• Rinsing with salt water
• Rinsing with baking soda in warm water
• Using over-the-counter ointments or mouth rinses
• Practicing good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing
• Avoiding irritating foods and drinks, including those with high acid content (like citrus and alcohol)

Preventive Measures

Everyone is different, but most people develop canker sores three to six times a year. Changes in diet or lifestyle can reduce the frequency of canker sores. While completely preventing canker sores is not possible, you can take the following steps to lower your risk. 

• Avoid acidic, spicy, or salty trigger foods
• Steer clear of alcohol and carbonated drinks
• Don’t use toothpaste containing SLS
• Maintain good oral hygiene 
• Reduce stress by practicing yoga, meditation, or other relaxing activities
• Consider taking supplements to address any nutritional deficiencies

When To See a Doctor

While most canker sores heal on their own, you should seek professional medical advice in the following situations:

• Your pain is severe or makes it hard to eat, drink, or talk.
• Your canker sore is abnormally large.
• Your sore lasts for more than two weeks. 
• You do not know whether your painful ulcer is a canker sore or an STD in the mouth. If you can’t tell the difference, visit your doctor or order same-day STD testing to know for sure.  

Do I Have a Canker Sore or an STD? Schedule STD Testing To Find Out

We hope we have answered the question, “Are canker sores an STD?” To recap, canker sores are not contagious, and you cannot transmit them sexually. However, if you’re unsure what kind of mouth sore you have, it’s important to get tested.

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer quick and confidential STD testing in all 50 states, making it easy to find a sexual health clinic near you. For a single STD test or a comprehensive 10-panel STD test, call us today or input your zip code to find a local testing center.