Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. These are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth or at the base of the gums. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don’t occur on the surface of the lips and aren’t infectious. They can be painful and make eating and talking very uncomfortable.
Minor Canker Sores
Small, oval-shaped with a red edge.
Heal without any scarring in around one to two weeks.
Major Canker Sores
Larger and deeper than minor canker sores.
Have irregular edges and it takes up to six weeks to heal.
May leave extensive scarring.
Herpetiform Canker Sores
Rare and occur as clusters of tiny sores.
Often heals within one to two weeks.
Painful sores inside the mouth, on the tongue, soft palate, or inside the cheeks.
Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth before the sores appear.
Round, white, or gray sores with a red edge.
In severe cases, fever, physical sluggishness, and swollen lymph nodes.
The exact cause of canker sores is still unknown, but several factors can trigger or contribute to their development:
Minor Injuries: From dental work, aggressive brushing, sports accidents, or accidental cheek biting.
Food Sensitivities: Particularly to spicy, oily and acidic foods.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins like B-12, zinc, folate, and iron.
Hormonal Shifts: Such as those associated with menstrual cycles.
Stress: Emotional stress or lack of sleep can trigger outbreaks.
Allergic Responses: To certain bacteria in the mouth.
Medical Conditions: Like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and weakened immune systems.
Preventing canker sores involves minimizing risk factors and maintaining good oral hygiene. Here are some effective strategies:
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth gently with a soft bristle toothbrush.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Floss daily to remove food particles.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Stay away from spicy, acidic, or rough foods that can irritate the mouth.
Manage Stress
Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Boost Your Immune System
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Consider taking nutritional supplements if you have some deficiencies.
Protect Your Mouth
Use dental wax to cover sharp edges of braces or other dental devices.
Chew carefully to avoid biting the inside of your mouth.
While canker sores usually heal on their own, treatments can help reduce pain and speed up recovery. Here are some effective methods:
Over-the-Counter Products
Topical Pastes: Apply directly to the sore to reduce pain and inflammation.
Mouth Rinses: Antimicrobial mouthwashes can decrease bacteria in the mouth.
Prescription Treatments
Oral Medications: Corticosteroids or other medications may be prescribed for severe cases.
Topical Treatments: Stronger prescription ointments or gels to promote healing.
Home Remedies
Salt Water Rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth several times a day.
Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste and apply to the sore.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, and apply to the sore with a cotton swab.
Milk of Magnesia: Dab on the sore a few times a day to help reduce pain and speed healing.
Honey: Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can be applied directly to the sore.
Lifestyle Changes
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
Avoid Irritants: Tobacco and alcohol can exacerbate canker sores.
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
Unusually large sores.
Sores persisting for more than three weeks.
Severe pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Difficulty drinking enough fluids due to pain.
High fever or feeling physically unwell.
Canker sores can be more painful than you know. If the mouth sore has been sticking around for more than 7 days and is making eating, swallowing, and talking miserable, then it's best to visit your dentist. Canker sores usually resolve in 7-10 days, but if it is a jagged tooth margin, a sharp denture edge, or an underlying vitamin deficiency, then it's best not to wait.
Dr Medha Gupta, MDS Implantologist & MedComms Writer EU
Canker sores can be a painful and recurrent problem, but with proper care and prevention strategies, their frequency and severity can be significantly reduced. Maintaining good oral hygiene, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers can help keep canker sores at bay. If you suffer from frequent or severe sores, seek advice from a healthcare provider to explore more specific treatments tailored to your needs.
References:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10945-canker-sores
3.https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/canker-sores
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000998.htm
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/mouth-sores
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546251/
(By Dr. Pragati Priya)
MSM
