What Are Canker Sores?

 

If you have ever experienced a canker – or chancre – sore in your mouth, you know that they can be bothersome at the very least, and often quite painful. They seem to pop up out of the blue and immediately outstay their welcome. So, what are they exactly, and is there anything you can do to get rid of them?

Read on to discover everything you need to know about canker sores.

Canker sores are generally small ulcers found only inside the mouth, usually along the cheeks, tongue, or lips. They can make it very uncomfortable to talk, eat, or drink and can be very painful when acidic foods come into contact with them. The flesh of the sore itself is usually white and very tender with red aggravated skin surrounding it, but they are not contagious.

Who do canker sores affect?

Women are twice as likely to get canker sores than men and usually occur between the ages of 10 and 20, although they can appear earlier in life. That being said, anyone can be affected by canker sores at any age. There have been cases of canker sores reported as early as two years old.

What causes canker sores?

Unfortunately, the true cause of canker sores is unknown. However, it has been proven that eating an excess of highly citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, and strawberries, can trigger canker sores in many people.

Consuming a lot of sugary foods, such as candies, can also cause sores to pop up. Damage or irritation from dental appliances, accidental biting of the tongue or cheek, or ill-fitting dentures can also be a trigger for canker sores. There has also been evidence that suggests a diet lacking in vitamin B-12 can cause canker sores. This vitamin can be found in foods such as eggs, dairy products, and seafood.

What is the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?

Canker sores occur exclusively inside the mouth and do not have any known cause. Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by a viral infection and are highly contagious. Unlike canker sores, cold sores occur outside of the mouth and are filled with fluid, resembling blisters, and generally scab over before healing.

Are canker sores dangerous?

Generally, no, canker sores are not dangerous. They can be extremely uncomfortable, even very painful, but they usually disappear on their own after a week or two. However, canker sores should not occur more than four or five times in a year – so if you experience an excessive amount, it could point to a larger health issue. Consult your doctor if you believe this sounds like your experience.

How do you treat a canker sore?

Canker sores can also be laser treated by your dentist which provides immediate relief and quicker healing time. If you are bothered by canker sores regularly, your dentist may recommend that you use a canker sore combating mouthwash.

Avoiding trigger foods, such as highly citrus fruits and extremely sugary treats, is essential when letting your canker sore heal as exposing it to these foods can further aggravate it. Being careful when using dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, and braces, is important to ensure further damage isn’t done to the affected area.

Be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth after meals to ensure that food particles or bacteria doesn’t get attached to the sore and possibly cause an infection. If your canker sore does not improve on it’s own after two weeks, consult your dentist or doctor for further diagnosis.

Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.

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