By Dr. Rhodora T. Entero, DMD
Knowing What Canker Sore Is
Do you have pain in your mouth? Probably you have canker sore inside your mouth. The dentist may be able to tell the sore like any other oral health anomaly.
Canker sores are the most common type of mouth ulcer. People may notice the sores due to the pain that may happen on the lips or cheeks. The sores may appear whitish or yellowish and surrounded by red, inflammed soft tissue.
The symptoms of the canker sores include a small or yellow oval-shaped sore in the mouth. It is a painful sore that may also cause a tingling sensation in the mouth, and in some instances, symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Canker sores are not contagious. Usually, the sores heal without the need of any intervention within one to three weeks. The pain, however, may persist from seven to 10 days. There are serious cases of canker sore that may take up to six weeks to heal.
There are many ways one can treat a canker sore. Again, canker sores go away without the need of treatment. Good health habits remain to be the best way to prevent canker sores. Regular brushing and flossing are the best way to prevent canker sores or any bacterial infection. Avoiding spicy foods may help speed up the healing. Consuming yogurt, milk, or ice cream may help in reducing canker sore pain.
There are times that the canker sore pain can be severe. One can lessen the pain through gargling of mouthwash or salt water. It may be uncomfortable but it can help reduce the pain.
There are over-the-counter medications that one can use to reduce the inflammation or control the pain caused by a canker sore.
Your dentist may prescribe a medicine if the canker sore is severe or if there is a need to control the inflammation.
Applying ice or cold compress may help reduce the inflammation or help control the pain. Milk of magnesia may also help reduce the pain.
One can also rinse the mouth with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. One teaspoon of baking soda per one half cup of warm water will already be a good mixture.
Also, honey has been known to help people get relieved from canker sores.
The risk of developing canker sores depend on your family history, as canker sores may be caused by a viral infection and even stress.
Some causes of canker sores may include hormonal disruptions, food allergy, menstrual cycle, vitamin deficiency, failing immune system, and mouth injury.
Vitamin deficiency may cause or worsen canker sores. Make it a point to have a good balanced diet to ensure that no vitamin deficiency happens.
In some cases, the cause of the canker sore may not be determined.
The dentist usually can tell if the mouth has canker sores. The dentist will examine the mouth to determine the presence of canker sores. Blood tests or biopsy may be ordered by the dentist if the sore is severe.
It is possible that a cancerous lesion may appear as a canker sore. This lesion will not heal without treatment.
Some cancerous lesions may have the same symptoms as canker sores.
However, cancerous lesions may include bleeding of gums, loose teeth, difficulty in swallowing, and earaches.
If you have such symptoms, it is best to see your dentist or doctor immediately.
See your dentist or doctor if the canker sore is causing unbearable pain and terrible discomfort. Bacterial infections may spread and cause more problems. To stop any complication, it is best to treat the canker sore with the help of a dentist or doctor right away.
Contact your dentist in the event you develop large sores, an outbreak of sores, or terrible pain with high fever, diarrhea, headache, and a rash.