I don't know if its cold sore or canker sore?

So I woke up this morning and I didn't notice it until I went to brush my teeth.
I notice under my gum behind my two bottom teeth, I feel like there's a weird feeling
and when I took a like it looks like a rash form like an arrow-ish there and when I feel it with my tongue
It feels slippery. Also if raise my tongue a bit than I have this feeling like eating a mint around the rash is...
I was just wondering and this is the first time I have this too... I don't really know the difference between cold sores
and canker sores... If any body knows please help so I can help myself to prevent things... thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of a canker sore. Canker sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable. Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two. Avoid spicy or acidic foods during this time. You can use topical ointments like numbing ointments, such as benzocaine (Oragel), anti-inflammatory (steroid) gels, Benadryl allergy liquid mouthwash,oral preparations of steroids and vitamin supplements.

But if the sores last for more than 3 wks or start spreading then please consult a dermatologist. In that case herpes simplex I has to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.