A canker sore or aphthous ulcer is a small and inflamed open wound usually found inside your mouth. It can develop in your gums, tongue, or inner cheeks, making eating and talking difficult and painful. If you start to feel discomfort in a specific spot inside your mouth, then you may be experiencing this problem.
Types Of Canker Sores
The most common type many people experience is a minor sore. In most cases, it’s small and heals quickly without any signs of scarring. On the other hand, bigger ulcers inside the mouth can last for at least two weeks and leave a visible mark once it heals.
There are rare cases when more than one sore can develop inside your mouth. Herpetiform sores can be excruciating and troublesome since they’ll greatly affect your daily life. You may find it difficult to swallow even the softest of foods or have pain problems every time you try to speak.
Identifying a sore doesn’t usually require a doctor’s visit since you can easily see and feel it inside your mouth. Luckily, it’s possible to resolve this problem at home. There are various home remedies you can try to ease your pain and make the sore heal faster. You can find more tips here on how to treat canker sores at home.
But before you try out different methods to get rid of your oral problem, it helps to know what causes it so you can prevent it in the future.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Several factors contribute to the development of canker sores. Although there’s no definitive cause of this oral problem, the following factors may increase your chances of having it:
- Accidents like biting your tongue or inner cheeks or a scratch caused by braces or retainers may cause you to develop a sore.
- Eating citrusy or acidic foods like lemons or pineapple may irritate the inside of your mouth due to their acidity and trigger inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs may be incompatible with your body, thus resulting in the development of sores inside your mouth.
- Allergies to certain foods or oral products that can cause irritation or inflammation inside your mouth may lead to canker sores.
- Stress may lead to an imbalance in your hormones and make you more susceptible to developing canker sores.
- Bacteria cause infections or irritations in some parts of your mouth may make you more prone to developing mouth sores.
Other underlying health conditions may also cause an aphthous ulcer. So, it’s best to get a consultation if you’re constantly developing sores or seem to experience more pain.
How To Treat Sores?
If you’re lucky, the pain caused by the sore will start to dissipate after a few days. Although it’ll induce some discomfort during the first few days, you won’t need to halt your daily life just because of a minor inflammation at a spot inside your mouth. However, it won’t hurt to try treatments to make you feel better and heal faster.
Here are a few remedies you can try to ease your condition:
Mouthwash:
One effective way to keep canker sores at bay is using mouthwash. It can remove the bacteria that dwell inside your mouth and lessen your chances of developing more severe sores. If you already have an inflamed spot on your tongue, inner cheeks, or gums, using water with salt or baking soda as a mouthwash can help you heal faster.
Topical Remedy:
If the sore is constantly aching to the point that it becomes a serious hindrance to your daily life, you can use a topical remedy to relieve the pain. Your doctor may prescribe you a medication that contains steroids or analgesics to ease your condition.
Medication:
You can also take pills like the ulcer drug sucralfate to help heal your canker sores.
How Can You Avoid Developing Canker Sores?
It’s no question that having a small open wound inside your mouth is painful and inconvenient. Since the specific causes of canker sores are still unknown, the best thing you can do to prevent them from developing inside your mouth is to practice some preventive measures. Here are some tips you can follow:
Brush Your Teeth Properly:
Proper oral hygiene is the best way to avoid sores, so ensure that you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth regularly.
Avoid Foods That Irritate Your Mouth:
If you feel discomfort every time you eat something sour or spicy, then it’s best that you just avoid them.
Talk To Your Dentist:
If the cause of your canker sores is your current dental treatment, like your braces or retainers, talk to your dentist.
Final Thoughts
Occasionally experiencing a canker sore is nothing to worry about. However, it still helps to know what may cause them so you can handle them without trouble. There are various remedies you can try to address this condition, like medications or mouthwashes. If you’re still unsure about your sores, head to https://www.carmelvalleydental.com/ for more information.