Canker Sores & How To Treat Them?

19 Sep 2022

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are small and shallow, also known as aphthous ulcers. Canker sores are common sores that you will experience inside of your mouth or at the base area of your gums.

The initial stage of the sore will have a white to yellowish appearance which later will get a red border. These ulcers can have a small size with a diameter of 0.5 to 1 mm.

One can develop canker sores at any age (for instance, even a 2 year old have these sores), however, these are more common after adolescent years.

Although these canker sores are self-healing and can get back to normal in between 1 to 2 weeks, these sores can be uncomfortable for the patient.

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Types Of Canker Sores

1. There are a few variations of canker sores. These are simple canker sores, complex canker sores, minor canker sores, and herpetiform canker sores. One can suffer from the simple or minor type of canker sores from 3 to 4 times a year.

2. Herpetiform and complex canker sores are less common to occur and are common in people who have previously suffered from this type of canker sore.

3. Major canker sores are bigger in size compared to regular canker sores and can take more than 2 weeks to heal. Patients can experience scarring with healing.

Canker Sores: Causes & Symptoms

1. There are no apparent reasons and cause behind the canker sores. However, doctors believe that stress, certain food items (such as citric fruit or vegetables), or minor injury, etc. can trigger the problem of canker sores.

2. Medicines that are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (like ibuprofen) can trigger canker sores. Other causes behind canker sores can be the use of ill-fitted dentures, harsh toothbrushes, or the use of any other dental appliance that is rough for the mouth, gums, and teeth.

3. A person with an underlying health problems (such as lupus, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, AIDS, or Bachet’s disease) can also experience canker sores.

4. Common symptoms of canker’s sore are pain and irritation; also patient can experience a burning sensation right before the ulcer starts to show up/form. In severe conditions, swelling of lymph nodes and fever are other symptoms visible during Canker sore condition.

Treatment & Prevention:

1. Home remedies and Over-the-counter treatments are available to reduce the inflammation, relieve the pain and improve the healing speed of the canker sore.

2. It is important to keep a track of things or habits that trigger your canker sores so that you can be more mindful and aware of them and be able to manage them.

3. Oral medication such as sucralfate or using mouth rinses for to help you deal with the discomfort of the sore. You can add nutritional supplements (after consulting with your doctor) to get rid of any underlying health concern that is triggering the canker sore problem.

4. A good and right oral hygiene such as brushing with soft bristled brush and using the right toothpaste (avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate) to prevent the onset of canker sores.

5. Home remedies to relieve you from the discomfort of the sore can include avoiding food items that are highly acidic and spicy in nature. Using a pinch of magnesium a few times a day to dab on the affected part.

6. You can use oral gels that are helpful in reducing the pain by numbing the area. It is recommended to use antiseptic mouth rinses that will prevent any bacterial growth which can contribute to canker sore discomfort.

7. Visit your dentist if the problem persists for more than 2 weeks. Your dentist will check for any underlying condition or the severity of the sores and which medication will work to reduce the discomfort.

Conclusion:

These were some of the ways you can manage your canker sores at home or with OTC medication. Do not miss your regular dental checkups as your dentist will keep an account of your dental problems and help you with a better solution if canker sores are recurring in your case. Meet The Best Dentist in Rewari and get your expert consultation at Devshree Dental Clinic. Call today!