Canker Sore Stages
Canker sores often go through 4 stages from inception to final healing. Throughout these various stages, they can look slightly different, but they always have the same basic characteristics. It is important to be able to understand the 4 canker sore stages since the earlier you are able to catch a canker sore, the easier it is to treat it before it escalates. If you catch a canker sore in stage 1, treatment is often much more effective. We have included pictures of each of the canker sore stages so that you can identify which stage that your canker sore is in.
Stage 1 – Erosion
This is the event that causes the canker sore. Typically, it happens one of two ways. One way is that you bite or scrape the inside of your mouth. It may even start to bleed, or just get a little swollen. This will often be the inception of a canker sore. The other way this stage can start is when the tissue of your mouth is worn down. This can be caused by consuming acidic foods or drinks, nutrient and vitamin deficiencies, allergies, and even stress.
Stage 2: Infection
Stage 2 is where the area begins to get infected, much like what can happen with a wound anywhere else. This infection creates the ulcer. This is when it tends to get the yellowish white color with a red ring around it as you can see in the picture below. In this stage, the bacteria finds its way further down into the tissue and your immune system is doing all that it can to fight this. At this point you will definitely notice it and the pain will only be mild, but will significantly increase each day. This stage typically lasts a few days.
Stage 3: Ulcer
At the third canker sore stage, it has fully become an ulcer. It often gets more inflamed because the bacteria is eating the tissue down to the nerve endings which is what leads to the severe pain. Many people deal with excruciating pain at this point and it is by far the worst stage. This stage can vary in duration, but typically lasts anywhere from 3 days to a week.
Stage 4: Repair (Canker Sore Healing Stage)
Stage 4 is the canker sore healing stage. During this stage your immune system begins to dominate in the fight against the bacteria. The affected tissue begins to regenerate, and the nerve endings are covered back up, which causes the pain to slowly decrease. Eventually it completely heals. This stage can last anywhere between a few days to a week and a half.
Stop Your Canker Sore At Stage 1
Canker Shield is specifically designed to eliminate your canker sores at stage 1 to save you from days of pain and misery. When applied early on in an outbreak, Canker Shield shrinks and eliminates the canker sore very quickly. Click here to see how Canker Shield has helped thousands of people eliminate their canker sores.
