CANKER SORES ARE NO FUN, especially when it’s time to brush your teeth.
Comfort Dental would like to point out there are quite a few ways in which the pain from these bothersome blisters can be relieved.
WHAT A CANKER SORE IS AND IS NOT
Canker sores are characterized by small, shallow lesions found on the inside of the mouth.
Contrary to the beliefs of many people, canker sores are not an infection of the herpes virus.
Canker sores are not the same thing as fever blisters or cold sores, which are usually found on the outside of the mouth. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious, and canker sores are also generally caused by bacteria, whereas cold sores are caused by a virus.
WHY DO CANKER SORES APPEAR?
Though the exact cause is unknown, theories suggest that stress, genetics, mouth trauma, and immune system reactions are responsible for this unwanted pain. Basically, just living can bring on a canker sore.
HERE ARE A FEW AT-HOME TREATMENTS YOU CAN TRY:
- Rinse your mouth several times a day with a mixture of warm water, salt and baking soda.
- If you’re up for a little extra pain, dab the sore directly with some salt or baking soda and leave it on for a few minutes. This will desensitize the pain – as well as speed up the healing process.
- Licorice Root. This plant has actually been getting rave reviews for healing canker sores!
- Yogurts with live cultures. This delicious food is useful for more than breakfast—simply hold it in your mouth for a few seconds, and swallow!
- Stress Relief. Don’t overwork yourself—your body will suffer more than just the canker sore.
- There are also many remedies that can be purchased at local drug stores and pharmacies to help treat the pain! Talk to Dr. Brucken or Dr. Stubbs if you need extra help!
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3 TIPS TO HELP PREVENT CANKER SORES IN THE FUTURE?
Avoid foods that irritate your mouth, specifically those that are spicy or contain a high acidic content.- Avoid excessive gum chewing—this can cause unwanted irritation!
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush after each meal, and floss daily to keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a canker sore.
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WHEN SHOULD I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ABOUT A CANKER SORE?
Luckily, canker sores rarely last over 10-14 days, and the pain goes away even faster. However, please come see us if you have any of the following symptoms…
- Unusually large sores
- Sores that seem to be spreading
- Sores that last longer than 3 weeks
- Intolerable pain despite pain resultant from trigger foods and over-the-counter medication
- Difficulty drinking enough daily fluids
- A high fever that accompanies your canker sores
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We hope you have learned everything you need to know about canker sores. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ASK US! We are here to help!
