Do you notice small, painful sores inside your mouth? These are called canker sores. They can make eating, drinking, and speaking somewhat uncomfortable. If you’re having difficulties with these sores, it might be a good idea to schedule dental cleanings and checkups near you to keep your mouth healthy and address any underlying issues.
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear inside the mouth, typically on the soft tissues such as the lips, cheeks, and the underside of the tongue. They often have a white or yellow center with a red border and can be quite painful. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but factors such as stress, irritation from dental appliances, certain foods, hormonal changes, and other factors may contribute to their development.
What Causes Canker Sores?
- Injury to mouth: Sometimes, canker sores may occur after you accidentally bite the inside of your mouth or damage it with a hard or sharp object. Sometimes brushing teeth can cause small cuts that turn into canker sores. So to prevent aphthous ulcers, gentle brushing and being careful eating are essential. If you’re wondering, “Why do canker sores hurt so much?” it is because they are shallow ulcers that expose sensitive nerves, making them quite painful.
- Vitamin deficiencies: The deficiency of some vitamins and minerals in the body can also lead to canker sores. For example, canker sores can occur when a diet is lacking vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron. Adequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains within a balanced diet will prevent deficiencies.
How Do Hormones and Stress Contribute?
Hormones and stress can play a big role in getting canker sores.
- Stress: Stress is a significant factor that can contribute to the development of canker sores. When you’re under stress, your body may respond in various ways, and one of these responses can be the formation of sores. Stress can stem from numerous sources, and your body’s reaction to anxiety may lead to canker sores.
- Hormonal changes: The development of canker sores, particularly in teenagers, is linked with hormonal changes. Girls and women may notice canker sores during their menstrual period or pregnancy, which is due to hormonal changes in the body.
Can Underlying Health Conditions Cause Canker Sores?
Sometimes canker sores often act as an indication of some serious health issue. If you have recurring canker sores, then it can relate to:
- Autoimmune conditions: In some conditions, the immune system can mistakenly target your own body’s cells, leading to the development of canker sores. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and Behçet’s disease can cause this type of immune response.
- Digestive disorders: Irregularities in the digestive system, such as celiac disease, can be another cause of these sores.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Having a deficiency of some nutrients may sometimes be related to recurring canker sores.
How Can I Prevent Canker Sores?
There are several ways to prevent canker sores :
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods: Consumption of spicy and acidic foods can severely affect the sores. So it is essential to avoid intake of these foods until your sores heal.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean, as it will help you protect your teeth from infections and decrease the chance of obtaining sores. Follow oral habits such as brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly.
- Balanced Diet: Intake of adequate vitamins and minerals is essential for overall well-being. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can keep you in good oral health.
- Stress Management: Learn how to keep yourself relaxed and not stressed. You can manage your stress through exercise, hobbies, or chatting with friends.
What Are the Treatment Options?
If you have a canker sore, some treatments will help you to heal quickly and reduce the pain. Here are a few options:
- Over-the-counter remedies: You can apply the gel to the sore to reduce pain and to heal quickly. If you’re wondering how can I get rid of a canker sore fast, ensure that these medicines can solve your issue effectively.
- Rinse with salt water: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, as it may help in decreasing pain and swelling. Take a cup of warm water, add one teaspoon of salt, and swish it in the mouth.
- Pain relievers: Taking pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort caused by canker sores.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Most canker sores are minor and heal on their own in a few days. If the pain isn’t severe, follow the remedies mentioned above for one or two weeks. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms and your canker sores do not heal after three weeks, you should visit a dentist:
- A high fever with the sore.
- Severe or intolerable pain.
- Trouble eating or drinking.
- Sores larger than usual.
- Many sores at one time.
Resolving canker sores on your own is a challenging task. In some cases, mouth cancer can look similar to canker sores, so it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis from a dentist.
Canker sores? We’re here to help!
Ipswich Bay Dental is a leading clinic offering a wide range of services that meet your dental needs. We provide affordable dental services that are easily accessible to all patients at our dental clinic. Our team of dentists in Ipswich works hard to provide comfort and a friendly atmosphere during your visit to the dental clinic. For an oral examination and checkup, schedule your appointment at our clinic today!
