Canker sores can be uncomfortable, annoying, and downright painful. They can even make talking and eating awkward. Is there anything you can do to fight back? Hudec Dental can provide information about the common causes and treatments—so you can conquer canker sores!
What Are Canker Sores?
A canker sore is not quite the same things as a cold sore. A canker sore is actually a small ulcer that is found on the inside of the mouth. It is not contagious like the cold sore.
Canker sores often appear on the inside of the lip, but they can also develop on the tongue, throat, or inside of your cheeks. They are usually white or gray, and they sometimes have a red edge or border around the outside.
Most people will only develop simple canker sores, which emerge three or four times per year, and last roughly about a week. Those who are between 10 and 20 years old are more susceptible to canker sores, but people of any age can get them.
A complex canker sore can be a sign of some other more serious health problems, so it is important to discuss your canker sores with your dentist.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Although scientists are unsure of the exact cause of canker sores, they do seem to appear more often in those who have certain characteristics. For example, they may appear after eating larger amounts of certain acidic fruits and vegetables like lemons, oranges, or tomatoes. Other types of foods may trigger canker sores as well. Braces or dentures that do not fit properly can also cause canker sores. Other causes may include:
- Stress
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Food allergies
- Mouth injuries
- Viral infection
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Each person’s triggers are slightly different, so consider what you ate before the canker sore appeared. If you are prone to canker sores, you may want to limit your consumption of your trigger foods—whether they are salty, acidic, or spicy. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush to avoid gum irritation as well.
Treating Canker Sores
Although most canker sores will disappear on their own within about a week, there are certain things that you can do to help them go away faster or deal with the symptoms. Try mouthwash twice per day or pain killers if the pain from the canker sores is causing significant problems. The mouthwash will likely hurt at first, but it will help reduce pain. In some situations, your dentist may prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Prescription mouthwash
- Corticosteroid ointment
If you think your braces or dentures are the cause of your canker sores, then Hudec Dental may have a solution for you. We can recommend an adjustment or a different dental health solution that may work better for you. Even if your canker sores aren’t associated with dentures or braces, we can help you find a solution to conquer your canker sores! Call us today at 216-661-8888 for a consultation.
