finding canker sore on lip

Online canker sore diagnosis.

Skip the waiting room and connect with an online doctor at a time that suits you at Tia Health.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it.

Book now
finding canker sore on lip

Online canker sore diagnosis.

Skip the waiting room and connect with an online doctor at a time that suits you at Tia Health.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it.

Book now

What is a canker sore?

A canker sore is an ulcer that occurs in the soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. It can be painful and cause discomfort when eating or talking. Canker sores are usually self-healing and clear up without treatment in 14 days, so if it is still present after two weeks it may be time to see a doctor.

What is a canker sore?

A canker sore is an ulcer that occurs in the soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. It can be painful and cause discomfort when eating or talking. Canker sores are usually self-healing and clear up without treatment in 14 days, so if it is still present after two weeks it may be time to see a doctor.

woman discovering canker sore

A canker sore diagnosis is likely if you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms:

  • A round or oval-shaped ulcer that has a yellow or white centre

  • A red area in the mouth that feels painful

  • A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth

  • A fever

  • Swollen lymph nodes

Are certain people more at risk of getting canker sores?

Yes, those with an increased risk of developing canker sores are:

  • Individuals with an underlying health condition, such as a weakened immune system, Behcet’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease or HIV/AIDS
  • Females during certain stages of the menstrual cycle
  • Teens and young adults
  • Those with a family history of canker sores

What causes canker sores?

Exact causes are unconfirmed, but some widely believed causes of canker sores are:

  • Stress
  • Mouth injuries, for example from dental work, sports or brushing
  • Lack of vitamin B-12 in the diet
  • An allergic response to certain bacteria
  • Food or toothpaste sensitivities

How to get rid of canker sores at home:

Adopting the following habits can help:

  • Avoid food that can cause irritation to the mouth, such as spicy, acidic, or salty foods
  • Avoid chewing gum
  • Good oral health, such as flossing teeth daily and brushing after every meal
  • Aiming to reduce or avoid stress

How can I prevent developing a canker sore?

Exact causes are unconfirmed, but some widely believed causes of canker sores are:

  • Stress
  • Mouth injuries, for example from dental work, sports or brushing
  • Lack of vitamin B-12 in the diet
  • An allergic response to certain bacteria
  • Food or toothpaste sensitivities

Are canker sores contagious?

No, unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.

When should I see an online doctor to help with a canker sore diagnosis?

If self-care remedies are not helping and you are experiencing any of the below, then it is time to see a doctor.

  • Frequent canker sore outbreaks or recurring sores
  • Sores that last for more than two weeks
  • High fever
  • Extreme pain
  • Difficulty eating or drinking

An online physician can assess your symptoms and if necessary, they may refer you to a dermatologist or prescribe medication. You can have your prescription delivered for free or sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pick-up.

How common are canker sores?

Research indicates about 20% of the population will experience a canker sore at some point over the course of their life.

How does a doctor treat a canker sore?

Treatments can include:

  • Steroid mouthwashes
  • Oral medications
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Cauterizing sores

How do I prepare for my online appointment?

To ensure the physician can provide an accurate medication prescription during your appointment, you can help by noting down any concerns and answers in advance, along with any allergies they should be aware of.

What will my online appointment be like?

Appointments usually take between five to thirty minutes depending on the individual need. The online doctor will ask for a description of your symptoms. This will allow them to determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, they may recommend a follow-up appointment or a visit to a physical clinic.

How booking works.

“How do I connect with an online doctor about canker sores?”

Our virtual clinic is designed to provide you with secure, trusted and easy access to the advice and care you need when you need it.

Here is how to book an appointment:

Here is how to book an appointment:

Skip the waiting room and book a virtual clinic appointment instead

Step 1

Select which doctor you would like to see and whether you prefer a phone or video call. We have a variety of male and female doctors available to help you in several languages. 

Step 2

Attend your virtual appointment from the comfort of your own home using your chosen method of communication. We do not require you to download any apps or programs. 

Step 3

Receive guidance and canker sore treatment recommendations from your online doctor. The doctor can share any necessary prescriptions with your chosen pharmacy, and you can opt to have medication delivered to your home for free or can collect in-person if preferred.

Book now

Have a question?

Services

Tia Health doctors' prescriptions are legitimate and are accepted by pharmacies. You can have your prescription delivered for free or sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pick-up.
Yes. Our telehealth platform connects you to a fully licensed Canadian physician. Just like an in-person visit, with telehealth, the doctor is responsible for understanding your case, medical history, and determining the appropriate treatment. If the doctor is not able to help you through telehealth, they may advise that you visit a clinic or hospital in-person.
Your privacy is our top priority, we use bank-level encryption and store data securely in Canada.
Click on the Book Now button to get started. You will then be prompted to select the type of consultation (video or phone), who the appointment is for (you or someone else), and which provider you would like to speak with. Lastly, you will be prompted to sign-up or login to confirm your appointment.
Yes! All Tia Health doctors are Canadian licensed physicians. You can verify the status of their license and view their credentials on the College of Physicians website for the province they are licensed. The city and province in which the physician practices is listed on their Tia Health profile which you will see while navigating the booking process.
Yes, we have a variety of doctors, male and female, doctors who speak different languages, and with different specialties.
If you have a family doctor working on the Tia Health platform, they may have telehealth availability. If not, check back soon as we are adding physicians weekly.

Pricing

Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance.
Through our partnership with Focus Mental Wellness, you can talk to a licensed and compassionate therapist via phone, video, or text. Focus therapy services don't require a doctor's referral and are covered by most extended health benefits. Sessions are usually available within a few days, and depending on your selected therapist's availability, same-day sessions are offered.
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and other online payment enabled cards.
Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance. If no coverage is available to you, then appointment pricing ranges depending on the appointment type you select. There are no time-based fees or additional fees if an appointment lasts longer than expected.
Get the best care from anywhere

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

Book now

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.