
The team at Avenue Dental wants you to have a healthy, beautiful smile – and they also want to do all they can to make sure that you never have a problem with your oral health that causes you pain or discomfort. Canker sores are little things but they can definitely cause pain! So what are canker sores, and what can you do about them?
What are canker sores?
Canker sores can form on your soft palate, under your tongue, or inside your cheeks or lips. They are painful and annoying but are not contagious. They are yellowish-white ulcers, and they are different than cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and are very contagious.
They are very common, and they may be triggered by a few different things, such as: stress; hormone shifts; an iron or other vitamin deficiency; a food sensitivity (some people may notice canker sores after eating eggs, nuts, cheese, or chocolate); an injury to your mouth (such as a sports injury); an irritation to your mouth (such as braces or other dental work rubbing up against your cheek); or they may be caused by a reaction to sodium lauryl sulfate, which is found in mouth rinses and toothpaste. They might also be a sign of an underlying disease or condition, such as celiac disease or HIV/AIDS.
How are canker sores treated?
Most canker sores will go away in 7 to 10 days, which can feel like a long time when you are in pain every time you move your mouth. There are over-the-counter ointments and pain relievers available that can help you to find some relief. A mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water dabbed on the canker sore a few times a day can help ease the discomfort and can help your sore to heal a bit faster. However, if you keep getting canker sores, it might be time to see your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause, such as a vitamin deficiency.
If you need help keeping your mouth healthy and beautiful, contact Avenue Dental. Call the office in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at (734) 484-4710, today!