Canker Sores: Our Lenoir Dentist Shares Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Canker sores are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold sores, for which they are often mistaken, unlike cold sores, canker sores don’t occur on the surface of your lips, and are not contagious. If you’re currently suffering from a canker sore, here’s more information that can help you understand how it developed, when it will go away, and how you can avoid developing one in the future.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Canker sores are aptly named; their medical name, “aphthous ulcers,” is derived from the Greek word aphthous, or “to set on fire.” While no one knows exactly why canker sores develop, we do know some circumstances that cause them, such as:
- Trauma to the mouth tissues, like accidentally biting the cheek
- Overzealous tooth brushing
- Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Food sensitivities, particularly to chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods
- A diet lacking in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron
- Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic (stomach) ulcers
- Hormonal shifts during menstrual cycle
- Emotional stress
Canker sores can also be caused by certain diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease, herpes and HIV/AIDS.
How to Get Rid of a Canker Sore
Canker sores typically go away on their own within 10 days, so treatment mostly involves applying products which relieve pain and speed healing. The active ingredients in these products are usually:
- Benzocaine (Anbesol, Kank-A, Orabase, Zilactin-B)
- Fluocinonide (Lidex, Vanos)
- Hydrogen peroxide (Orajel, Peroxyl)
You may have to find the best solution for you through trial and error. It may help to ask a close relative which solution has worked for them.
In addition, you can avoid exacerbating your discomfort by:
- Avoiding chewing gum and mouthwash
- Avoiding citrus fruits, acidic vegetables and spicy foods
- Using a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth
Problems with Canker Sores? Visit Our Lower Creek Dentist in Lenoir NC
If a canker sore lasts 2 weeks or more, it is important to seek the advice of a dentist, doctor or dermatologist. You might also want to talk to your dentist if you are developing canker sores more than 3 times a year. Frequent, recurring canker sores may be an indication that part of your oral care routine needs to be changed—for instance, you may need a more sensitive toothpaste, or a different brand of mouthwash. Your dentist may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment or antimicrobial mouth rinse that can help. To schedule an appointment with our local dentist in Lenoir, please click here.