Canker sores also called aphthous ulcers, are shallow sores that form on the delicate tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. In contrast to cold sores, ulcers don’t develop on the outside of your lips and they aren’t contagious. They can be excruciating and can make eating and talking a trouble.
Most canker sores go away on their own without any treatment in a week or two. Check with our dentist at Sabka Dentist if you have unusually large or painful ulcers or canker sores that don’t seem to heal.
Expert's Opinions
- Dr. Manan Dhulia Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Canker Sores are mouth ulcers that last for 7 - 10 days. They are triggered by various reasons like nutritional deficiencies, local trauma, stress, etc.”
- Dr. Reena Waghela Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Canker Sores can be associated with symptoms like burning or itching. However, they regress and heal themselves within one week.”
- Dr. Jena Shah Dental Director of Sabka dentist says “Canker Sores do not require any treatment. The pain is tolerable with slight dietary modification such as avoiding hot, spicy or acidic foods and beverages.”
Symptoms
Canker sores are usually in round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They occur inside your mouth, under your tongue, inside your cheeks or lips. You will experience pain or burning sensation in your mouth a day or two days before the sores appear.
There are three main categories due to which canker sores occur, including minor, major and herpetiform sores.
Minor canker sores
- Minor canker sores are the most common
- They are usually small.
- They are oval-shaped with a red edge.
- Heal without scarring in one to two weeks.
Major canker sores
- Major canker sores are less common
- Are larger and deeper than minor canker sores.
- Are usually round with defined borders, but may have irregular edges when it becomes large
- It can be extremely painful.
- May take up to six weeks or more to heal and can leave extensive scarring.
Herpetiform sores
- They are pinpoint-sized
- Occur in clusters of 10 to 100 sores, but may merge into one large ulcer
- Have irregular edges
- Heal without scarring in one to two weeks
- Consult your doctor if you experience.
Causes of Canker Sore
The exact cause of canker sores is hard to determine, though researchers suspect that a combination of factors contributes to outbreaks, even in the same person.
Possible triggers for canker sores include:
- A small injury to your mouth from any dental issues such as accidental biting of the cheek, overzealous brushing or sports mishaps.
- Toothpaste and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Canker sores cause due to the eating of chocolates, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods.
- Poor nutrition lacking in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron.
- Some people may have an allergic response to certain bacteria in their mouth. Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria can lead to peptic ulcers.
- Hormonal changes during menstruation.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop canker sores. But they more often appear in teens and young adults, and especially in females.
Often people with recurrent canker sores have a genetic disorder. This may be due to family history or to a shared factor in the environment, such as certain foods or allergens.
Prevention
Canker sores often recur, but you can reduce their frequency by following these tips:
- Watch what you eat: Try avoiding foods that seem to be allergic to you. Most people often express their allergy to certain foods including nuts, chips, pretzels, certain spices, salty foods and acidic fruits, such as pineapple, grapefruit, and oranges. Avoid any foods to which you’re allergic.
- Choose healthy foods: To prevent nutritional deficiencies, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Follow good oral hygiene: Regular brushing of teeth after meals and flossing once a day will keep your mouth clean and free of foods that might not cause a sore. To prevent irritation of delicate mouth tissues try using a soft-bristled brush and avoid toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Protect your mouth: If you have braces or other dental appliances it may hurt sometimes. If sharp edges of any dental treatment are hurting, try applying o rthodontic wax to cover.
- Reduce your stress: If your canker sores related to stress, try some stress-relieving techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
Solution in Dentistry
If the ulcer is due to any oral condition then some oral treatments at Sabka dentist can help to stop the recurrence of these mouth ulcers.
- Crooked teeth: If the tooth shape or position of the teeth is hurting the cheeks or lips your dentist may suggest fixing it.
- Braces: If you have braces, the sharp edges of the brackets may irritate the cheeks. The dentist will make some adjustments which can reduce the discomfort.
- Ill-fitted denture: The denture which is not fitting in the mouth properly may create trouble in your mouth and can cause a sore. In that case, your dentist will adjust the denture.
How dentists at SABKA DENTIST can help to Cure Canker Sore?
When you are experiencing recurrent ulcers then you should see the dentist. Dentists will ask about your diet to check about nutritional condition. They will visually examine your mouth and check for the signs of plaque, cavities, or gum disease. They may incorporate an X-ray to find out the reason which is not seen from visual examination. Reveal any chronic disease or any medications if you are having any. After analyzing your situation, the dentist at Sabka dentist will suggest the treatment according to your situation.
About Author
Dr. Rupali Gujar graduated from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in the year 2008. Dr. Rupali holds a PGDBA degree from Symbiosis University, Pune. After that, she was selected for a clinical assistant post at GDC Mumbai. This residency post provided her advanced training in all specialties of dentistry.
She has overall 11 years of experience in dentistry. .Her expertise includes implant dentistry, single sitting root canal treatment, cosmetic and restorative dental treatments.
She believes in providing comprehensive dental care that is tailored to fit into the budget of the patients.