# How long do canker sores take to heal?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal
Language: en
Category: dentistry
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.690Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.690Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal

Most common mouth sores, also known as canker sores (aphthous ulcers), heal on their own within one to two weeks without leaving scars [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>). However, the healing time can vary depending on the type and size of the sore.

## Types of Mouth Sores and Their Healing Time

There are three main types of mouth sores, each with a different healing time:

- **Minor canker sores:** This is the most common type. They are small, oval-shaped with a red border. These sores typically heal within one to two weeks and do not leave scars [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

- **Major canker sores:** These sores are less common and are larger, deeper, and more painful than minor sores. They may take up to six weeks to heal and may leave scars [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

- **Herpetiform canker sores:** Despite their name, they are not caused by herpes viruses. These sores are very small and often appear in clusters of 10 to 100, and they may merge to form one large sore. They usually heal within one to two weeks and do not leave scars [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>). These sores often develop later in life [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

## Factors That May Affect the Development of Canker Sores

While most canker sores heal spontaneously, some factors may increase the chances of their appearance. These factors can include food sensitivities, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, zinc, folate, or iron, hormonal changes, emotional stress, or mouth injuries [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>). Some medical conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease may also be linked to the development of canker sores [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

## Tips to Relieve Pain and Speed Up Healing

To help relieve pain and accelerate the healing process, you can follow these measures:

- Avoid spicy, acidic, or hard foods that may irritate the sores [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S1>).

- Use toothpaste and mouthwashes free of sodium lauryl sulfate [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth gently after meals and using dental floss daily [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

- Some over-the-counter ointments, creams, or mouthwashes can be used to relieve pain [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S1>).

For more information on common causes, home remedies, and medical treatments for canker sores, you can visit the page [Recurrent Canker Sores: Common Causes, Home Remedies, and Medical Treatments (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/recurrent-canker-sores-causes-home-remedies>).

## When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consult a healthcare professional or dentist if you have large mouth sores, sores that do not go away or recur constantly (such as the appearance of new sores before the old ones heal), sores that last for more than two weeks, or sores that spread to the lips. You should also seek medical advice if you experience uncontrollable pain, difficulty eating or drinking, or a high fever accompanying the canker sores [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#source-S2>).

## Medical references

- [Canker Sores](<https://medlineplus.gov/cankersores.html>)

- [Canker Sore](<https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615?p=1>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-long-do-canker-sores-take-to-heal#answer