How Long Should Canker Sores Last? What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know how frustrating they can be. They’re tiny, but they pack a punch—making it uncomfortable to eat, drink, or even talk. Naturally, one of the most common questions people ask is: how long should canker sores last?

Whether it’s your first time dealing with one or you get them frequently, knowing what’s normal—and what’s not—can help you get through the pain faster and know when to seek treatment. In this post, we’ll break down the average healing time for canker sores, what affects that healing time, and how you can shorten it with effective remedies (hint: we’ve got a great one!).

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What Is a Canker Sore?

A canker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is a small, round or oval sore that forms on the soft tissues inside your mouth—such as your inner cheeks, lips, or under your tongue. They usually appear white or yellow in the center with a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious, and they don’t form on the outside of your mouth.

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How Long Should Canker Sores Last?

Most canker sores heal on their own, but the healing time can vary depending on several factors. Here’s what’s typical:

• Minor canker sores (the most common type):
  ✅ Usually heal in 7 to 10 days
  ✅ Are less than 1 centimeter wide
  ✅ Don’t leave scars
• Major canker sores (less common):
  ❗ May last 2 to 4 weeks
  ❗ Are larger and deeper
  ❗ Can leave scars after healing
• Herpetiform canker sores (rare):
  ❗ Often appear as clusters of small ulcers
  ❗ May heal in 1 to 2 weeks
  ❗ Tend to recur more frequently

So, to directly answer the question:

How long should canker sores last?
Anywhere from 7 to 14 days is typical, depending on the type and severity. If yours lasts longer than 2 weeks, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider.

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What Can Affect Healing Time?

Several factors can influence how long your canker sore sticks around:

• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can delay healing.
• Diet: Acidic or spicy foods can irritate the sore and prolong symptoms.
• Injury: Accidentally biting your cheek or using a rough toothbrush can make things worse.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of B12, folate, or iron can cause or worsen canker sores.
• Underlying Conditions: Digestive diseases like Crohn’s or celiac disease may lead to chronic sores.
• Hormones: Some people (especially women) report flare-ups during hormonal changes.

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How to Speed Up Healing (and Reduce the Pain)

Most canker sores go away on their own, but you don’t have to just sit and suffer. There are ways to ease the pain and speed up the healing process—and that’s where Cankies comes in.

Cankies are specially-formulated melt-in-your-mouth candies that help reduce the length and severity of canker sores. Unlike harsh topical gels or gross-tasting rinses, Cankies are tasty, easy to use, and designed to soothe your mouth while helping you heal faster.

Why Cankies Work:

• Packed with mouth-soothing ingredients known to support healing
• Convenient and discreet—no messy gels or rinses
• Actually tastes good (finally, right?)
• Designed specifically for people prone to canker sores

Thousands of people are already using Cankies to shorten the time their canker sores last—and make the process way less miserable.

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When to See a Doctor

While most canker sores are nothing to worry about, you should talk to a doctor or dentist if:

• Your sore lasts more than 14 days
• You have extremely large or painful sores
• You get multiple sores at once, or they come back frequently
• You develop a fever or swollen lymph nodes
• You can’t eat or drink due to pain

These could be signs of a more serious issue, or you may need a prescription to help control the symptoms.

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Final Thoughts: How Long Should Canker Sores Last?

To recap, most canker sores last between 7 and 14 days. Some may take longer, especially if they’re large or irritated often. But you don’t have to suffer through every day of that healing window. With the right care—and the right products—you can shorten the duration, reduce the pain, and get back to eating, talking, and smiling sooner.

If you want to feel better faster, give Cankies a try.

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👇 Ready to Heal Faster?

Cankies are designed to help reduce the length and pain of canker sores—without the gross taste or gooey mess of other treatments. Enter your email address below to get 15% and be the first to know when we launch!