What are they and why do I keep getting Canker Sores?
Canker sores or aphthous ulcers are small painful sores that arise in the linings of your mouth, in some cases can also be found on your tongue, lips cheek, or gums. The appearance may look similar to a pimple, white and reddish on the surrounding area, this makes it very irritating and painful and makes it difficult to eat and speak, especially when you touch it. You want to get rid of it by using home remedies that you can find in your household but this will not cure the canker overnight, many home remedies, however, have to be used with caution or you can call your doctor and ask about it.
There are over counter or ointments available in pharmacies. This is the list of some of the home remedies to name a few :
- 1. Alum powder : It may help dry out and shrinks the canker
- 2. Salt and water : Using it to rinse your mouth to dry out the canker, may be painful
- 3. Baking soda rinse : Rinsing with baking soda reduces inflammation by restoring the ph balance.
- 4. Apple Cider Vinegar rinse: This is can be excruciatingly painful, the vinegar is thought to kill bacteria
- 5. Honey: This has anti-inflammatory properties that could help them reduce the swelling
What are the causes of canker sores?
The exact causes are still unknown, it could be from a minor injury caused by trauma to the mouth or may be caused by simple food that we don’t know causing canker sores. Some fruits and vegetables with high acid content can trigger a canker, or using NSAID pain killers is another possible cause. Crohn’s disease, lupus, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease to name a few may also be the cause of canker sores. It can also be a sign of nutritional problems or vitamin deficiency such as B-12, zinc, and iron. Other things linked to canker sores are eating too much chocolate or using the same brand of tooth paste or prolonged uses the same toothbrush.
Types of canker sores:
Canker sores are not all the same but are not contagious
- 1. Small minor sores : These are the most common canker sores they last for at least 10 days or more, they can heal by themselves without scars
- 2. Major sores : These sores are bigger and are deeper than the minor ones and take weeks to heal and leave scars after healing.
- 3. Herpetiform sores : Are larger sores with multiple sores 2-3mm in size and there can be as much as 100 ulcers at one time.
Can canker sores be prevented?
There is no cure or a definitive cause of canker sores but you may be able to reduce their frequency by:
- Avoiding acidic fruits and food that are hot and spicy
- Avoiding anything that would irritate your gum
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily
- Avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate
How to treat canker sores?
Generally, the treatment for canker sores is only for its symptoms to reduce the pain. The following is a list of available treatments:
- Use of anesthetic moutwashes available from compounding pharmacies
- Use of Benadryl Elixir mouthwash available from compounding phaprmacies
- Taking mild pain killers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen
- Treating the canker sore lesions with a diode laser at a dental clinic
You should see your dentist if you have experience any of the following with Canker Sores:
- Large unusual sores
- Fast spreading sores
- Sores for more than 3 weeks
- High fever
- Severe pain
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There are a number of products we recommend for you to consider buying if you are suffering from a canker sore. Always consult a licensed dentist if the symptoms are prolonged.
