Canker sores usually heal spontaneously. The pain usually decreases in 3 or 4 days. Other symptoms disappear in 10 to 14 days.

• Oral thrush or other Candida infections may occur following the use of antibiotic treatment for cankers
• Rarely, secondary bacterial infections may occur (cellulitis, Ludwig's angina)
• Oral cancer is not a complication of canker sores, but if an ulcer lasts more that 2 weeks, cancer may actually be the cause of the ulcer. Therefore, any ulcer lasting over 2 weeks should be evaluated by a physician.

Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if symptoms of canker sores persist or worsen, or canker sores recur more often than 2 or 3 times per year.

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Call your health care provider if symptoms are associated with other problems such as fever, diarrhea, headache, or skin rash.