I know that annoying feeling when you feel that something on your inner cheek. You keep rolling your tongue back and forth on it hoping that the pain will decrease at some point. In this article we will take a deep dive and understand everything we need to know about canker sores.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are white-reddish inflamed spots that form on the mucous membrane which is basically lining your mouth. Although they are painful, they heal on their own.
It is the most common chronic disease of the oral cavity affecting 5-25% of the population.
Some people get canker sores again just a few weeks later, while others may get them months or years later.
Symptoms Of Canker Sores
The main symptom you will feel is pain. This pain will get worse when you eat or drink something that irritates the inflamed lining or your mouth.
When that happen you will feel tingle, burn or feel rough according to Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care .
Causes Of Canker Sores
The causes of canker sores and why some people develop them and some people don’t are not really known. However, it is believed that some of these factors trigger or influence the development of new canker sores which include:
- Local trauma
- Stress
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal changes
- Some meds such as: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B complex)
- Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate
However, some diseases might cause inflammations in your mouth that can feel like canker sores, like chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
When To See Your Doctor?
Canker sores in general are not dangerous on its own. However, if the sores present with any of these symptoms/conditions, it warrants for you to see your physician:
- Fever. Fever can be a sign of systemic illness.
- More than 5 sores
- Large sores
- You have been having canker sores more than 14 days
- Sores on the roof of the mouth. This is a symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Immunocompromised patients
Treatment Of Canker Sores
Canker sores usually heal on their own without any treatment. With that being said, there are some measures that you can take to minimize the pain and irritation.
Topical products
The use of topical over the counter medications help with the pain and irritation. Some products have active ingredients, such as:
- Benzocaine oral gel
- Hydrogen peroxide
Oral medications
The use of some over the counter Acetaminophen will help decrease the pain and the irritation. However, do NOT use non steroidal anti-inflammatories like Advil, as it can exacerbate the sores more.
On the other hand, you can still use some steroidal medications as Triamcinolone in orabase dental paste. Although this is a prescription medication.
Prevention Of Canker Sores
We can try to minimize the recurrence of canker sores by following some tips as follows:
- Vitamin B12 1000 mcg a day for 6 months may decrease duration and pain of ulcers. (even if you are not deficient in vitamin B12)
- Choosing a healthy lifestyle will always have its advantages. As we are trying to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Brush your teeth regularly after meals. Be careful and use a soft brush to help minimize the irritation.
- Reduce the stress by meditating every day even for 5 minutes will definitely help on the long run.
What To Do If Nothing Helped With Your Canker Sores?
If you have done everything mentioned from topical products to prescription medications, it is probably a good idea to visit (or re-visit) your health care practitioner.
They can destroy the inflamed tissue using silver nitrate solution or laser treatment according to Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care .
DISCLAIMER
All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only.
It does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and we do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions.
We are not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition.
Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information.
Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions.