Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffTests aren't needed to diagnose canker sores. Your doctor or dentist can identify them with a visual exam. In some cases, you may have tests to check for other health problems, especially if your canker sores are severe and ongoing.
References
- Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Feb. 2, 2012.
- Long SS, et al., eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/174218004-3/925169573/1679/31.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50030-8--cesec16_721. Accessed Feb. 2, 2012.
- Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..X0001-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Feb. 2, 2012.
- Canker sores, cold sores & common mouth sores. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2982.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Feb. 2, 2012.
- Stomatitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental_disorders/symptoms_of_dental_and_oral_disorders/stomatitis.html. Accessed Feb. 2, 2012.
- Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-2/0/1494/0.html. Accessed Feb. 6, 2012.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Oral lesions. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 6, 2012.
- AskMayoExpert. Recurrent aphthous ulcers. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2011.
- Morelli V, et al. Alternative therapies for common dermatologic disorders, part 2. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:285.
- Bailey J, et al. What is the most effective way to treat recurrent canker sores? The Journal of Family Practice. 2011;60:621.
- Messadi DV, et al. Aphthous ulcers. Dermatologic Therapy. 2010;23:281.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 21, 2012.


Find Mayo Clinic on