Canker sores are a type of mouth sore that causes discomfort and pain to your oral health. They can also be termed “small ulcers” that are formed on the inside of the mouth. You can develop this source on your lips or gums.
One of the most frequently asked questions related to canker sores is whether they are contagious.
Well, the answer is no. Although these sores are not contagious, they can cause tension, discomfort, and injury to your mouth. Thus, these sores need to be treated as soon as they are discovered because they can hamper your ability to eat, speak, and maintain proper oral hygiene.
Before we can discern different ways to treat canker sores, we first need to be able to recognize their symptoms.
Read on to learn more about canker sores.
Symptoms of Canker Sores:
Listed below are some of the indications of a canker sore problem prevailing in your mouth:
- The emergence of ulcers
This is one of the more common symptoms of a canker sore. You may notice these ulcers on your tongue, the inner part of your lips, the roof of your mouth, and your inner cheeks. - Inflammation
Next, you will begin to experience a series of burning sensations in your mouth, especially in the regions where ulcers are formed - Colour Alteration
Due to these ulcers, you can notice tiny bumps inside your mouth that are yellow, grey, or white with a red circumference. - Physical health
You may also experience physical symptoms such as a fever or fatigue. Also, you can notice swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
Causes of Canker Sores
- Stress
- Hormonal Changes
- Dental trauma or injury
- Excessive intake of acidic foods such as citrus fruit
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
- Pain from orthodontic appliances such as braces or ill-fitting dentures
- Vitamin deficiencies like B-12, zinc, iron, or folic acid
Canker sores, also known as mouth sores, can also develop because of problems associated with the immune system, such as lupus, celiac disease, AIDS, and much more.
Thus, canker sores need to be treated as soon as they have been identified. Untreated sores can cause serious problems with your oral and physical health.
Let us take a look at some of the long-term effects of an untreated canker sore.
Long Term Health Effects:
- Mucous Membrane Scarring
If canker sores are left untreated for a long time, they can leave a permanent scar in your mucous membrane. - Scarring of the lips
If two or more sores appear at the same time, there is a high chance that they may merge to form a large mouth sore. This can also cause permanent scars on your mouth. - Constant Discomfort
A constant eruption of canker sores can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite meals - Risk for Cancer
Sometimes, these sores can also develop into cancerous tumours in the tissues inside your mouth. Hence, there is a high chance that you may be diagnosed with oral cancer. As a result, canker sores should be treated immediately to minimize any disruption to your oral health or a decline in your quality of life.
Continue reading to learn how to treat canker sores quickly and efficiently.
9 Quick Ways to Treat Canker Sore
Mouth Rinse
Since canker sores are caused by a highly acidic diet, you just need to lower the acidity levels in your mouth, which you can achieve by making a DIY mouthwash. You need only two ingredients for this mouthwash: a cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt or baking soda. Use this mouth rinse daily to reduce the recurrence of mouth sores.
Milk of Magnesia
While this medication is conventionally used to relieve digestive issues, it serves other purposes too. Case in point, canker sores can be easily reduced and healed quicker with the help of milk of magnesia. All you have to do is dab a small amount of this medicine on your sore using a cotton pad multiple times each day.
Ice
Another remedy for canker sores includes the use of ice. Ice is a great way to reduce inflammation from the sores. The cold that permeates through the ice will help to numb the pain and discomfort generated by these mouth sores. Remember to wrap the ice in a towel or cloth to avoid frostbite.
Medicated Mouth Rinse
If you have a recurring or persistent canker sore, then you may require a medicated mouthwash. However, while selecting a suitable mouthwash for your sore, remember to choose a product that contains ingredients like dexamethasone. This active ingredient will help provide relief to inflamed areas in your mouth and reduce pain.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has the organic attributes to help treat even stomach ulcers. Therefore, as a method of natural remedy against canker sores, our dentist at Micris Dental Clinic recommends you consume aloe vera to rectify the acid imbalance in your stomach and to also relieve you of your pain.
Coconut Oil
Due to the presence of a specific component known as "lauric acid," coconut oil is one of the most preferred natural remedies used to combat canker sores. The antimicrobial properties embedded in coconut oil can also help to reduce the spread of these sores to other areas in your mouth. It will lessen the pain and redness in your mouth.
Other Natural Products
Many other household products contain anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties. They can be used to lessen the emergence of canker sores in your mouth. they can also provide effective relief to your agonizing mouth pain. These products are:
- Chamomile compress
- Sage
- Apple cider vinegar-induced mouth rinse
- Alum powder
- Honey or yoghurt
- Saltwater rinse
Hydrogen Peroxide
Baffled, wondering how hydrogen peroxide can treat your mouth sores? Let us explain. Traditionally, hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic, is used to treat minor cuts or burns on the skin, but did you know that it can also help soothe canker sores? It's true. By eliminating the bacteria causing these sores, hydrogen peroxide can promote effective healing of the mouth. Mix the antiseptic medicine with water and apply it to your sores with a cotton pad.
Use Topical Products
If any of these home remedies are unable to make a difference in your canker sores, then you may require over-the-counter medications like creams, gels, and ointments that contain active ingredients to treat your sores. These medicines will help relieve pain and accelerate your healing process.
When to see a doctor?
- Your canker sore is larger than 1-3 cm in diameter (a large sore)
- Your sores are proliferating in the mouth at a rapid pace
- Recurrence of sores and fever as a result of them
- Your sores haven’t healed in two weeks
- The sores have spread to your lips
They are causing excruciating pain in your mouth, making eating, and drinking impossible.
Your dentist will use a laser to eliminate the canker sore in your mouth’s soft tissue. These lasers can also help to change the nerve conduction within your canker sore. Finally, the dentist will vaporise this soft tissue and sterilise the lesion area.
Tips to Prevent Canker Sore:
Although there are no foolproof ways to prevent canker sores, you can adopt the following approaches to reduce your risk of exposure to them:
- Stay away from spicy, salty, or acidic foods
- Maintain good oral hygiene to keep your gums and teeth healthy and in good condition
- Since sores are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies, talk to your doctor about your specific nutritional requirements.
Canker sores are a troublesome ordeal. Thus, it is always best to practice oral habits that help prevent the emergence of these oral problems. Are you suffering from a stifling sore as well?
Don’t hesitate to contact us! Our expert dentists will help treat your sores and relieve your pain.
Check out our website to learn more about our other dental services.
