What Exactly Are Canker Sores?

About Canker Sores

A canker sore is also known as an aphthous ulcer. It is a soft, small lesion that develops on the soft tissues in your mouth. If you develop these sores, they are likely to form on your gums, inside your cheeks, or on the inside of your lips. Canker sores are not dangerous, but they can be very painful.

Types of Canker Sore

There are three types of canker sore.

• Minor canker sores: These are the most common. They are small and oval-shaped, and they usually heal on their own in about two weeks.
• Major canker sores: These are large, round sores with clearly defined borders. These painful sores may take six weeks to heal.
• Herpetiform canker sores: This is the least common type. These sores are tiny but often form in clusters of 10 or more. They are extremely painful.

What Causes Canker Sores?

Doctors aren’t certain what causes canker sores, but they may be the result of various triggers, including:

• Injuries or trauma to the mouth
• Oral care products that have sodium lauryl sulfate
• Food sensitivities, especially to strawberries, nuts, or spicy foods
• Allergic responses
• Hormonal shifts
• Emotional stress

Canker sores may also be a side effect of certain diseases, including Celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, or Behcet’s disease, a rare condition that causes inflammation of the mouth. These are all illnesses that affect the immune system.

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

Fortunately, you can ease the pain of canker sores with home treatments. Most of these remedies are available over the counter, and some are in your kitchen cabinets.

• Saltwater rinse: A warm salt water rinse is an effective remedy for many oral conditions. Mix a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of salt, and let it cool until it’s warm. Swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with warm water to use as a rinse. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that’s safe for oral use. Don’t swallow the mixture.
• Honey: Honey is a natural antiseptic and pain reliever. Use organic, unfiltered honey for the best results. You may need to apply it to your sore several times a day.
• Milk of magnesia: This can help neutralize acids and coat the ulcer to help it heal. Apply the milk of magnesia directly to the canker sore. Let it sit for a minute before rinsing your mouth out with water.
• Topical benzocaine: Look for a topical oral pain reliever that has benzocaine. This is an anesthetic that will help numb the pain. Follow the directions on the package.

When to See Your Dentist

Most canker sores heal on their own in one or two weeks. However, you should consult a dentist if your canker sores:

• Cause extreme pain
• Last for more than two weeks
• Recur often
• Are accompanied by a fever

A painful canker sore that lasts more than a couple of weeks could be a more serious condition, including a dental abscess or tooth infection. If you have these symptoms, contact your dentist at once.

Stay Safe with the Right Care

Good oral care will help your gums and teeth stay healthy. If you have symptoms of gum or tooth problems, make an appointment at Malan Family Dentistry today.