What Causes Canker Sores On Roof Of Mouth?

Posted on Sat, 28 Feb 2015

Question: My husband has what he says is a canker sore on the roof of his mouth that he says seems to move around from one side of his mouth to the other. It just didn't sound right to me. He can't eat anything hot or spicy as it hurts him. He has lost 5 lbs. in 2 days. He says he doesn't feel well and is nauseous. He never gets sick but has been in bed for 2 days now. No energy. Doesn't seem to have flu symptoms. He has had a flu shot this year. He is 70 1/2 years old, very active, plant based diet 5 ft. 9" and 175 lbs. and has chewed tobacco for the last 25 years.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It will take time to recover

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam!

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

I understand your concern for your husband.Yes,he seems to have canker sore which generally takes few days to heal on its own without treatment.

These sores are generally seen in people having impaired immune system; nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiency; and gastrointestinal tract disease.You can give him over the counter vitamin B complex capsules for a week to get some relief.It will be helpful if he has antibiotic mouth rinse.

If after a week or two,this do not subside,please see a physician and get a biopsy done to rule out mouth cancer since he has a 25 year history of chewing tobacco.

Meanwhile avoid any spicy or acidic food which might irritate it and delay healing.

Hope this helps.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad