What are Canker Sores?
Aphthous ulcers are a common problem better known as canker sores. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are quite common with more than 3 million cases per year in the United States. Canker sores are round or oval lesions that occur in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, inside of the cheeks or lips, and the tongue. On a positive note, canker sores are not contagious, though they can make talking and eating incredibly painful.
- Minor canker sores are the most common type. They are under 1 cm and shallow enough to avoid scarring. This type usually heals on its own with a week or two.
- Major canker sores are those measuring more than 1 cm. They involve deeper ulceration without well-defined borders. This type can take a month or more to heal and may leave deep scars.
- Herpetiform canker sores are tiny but coalesce into ulcerated patches composed of 10 – 100 ulcers. Similar to minor canker sores, they are shallow and tend to heal with a couple of weeks without scarring.
Common Canker Sore Symptoms
Pain is the most common symptom linked to canker sores. This pain can be severe enough to impact speech and eating patterns. Some people notice burning or tingling before the ulcer erupts. The round or oval shaped ulcers are usually white, yellow, or gray with a red border.
Do We Know What Triggers Canker Sores?
Triggers differ from person-to-person. For some, acidic foods may trigger an aphthous ulcer, while others react to the foaming ingredient found in toothpaste (sodium lauryl sulfate). Underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease may make some people more susceptible to recurring canker sores.
Braces and dentures can cause irritation or injury in the mouth which may lead to canker sores. Canker sores may be brought about by stress and certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B-12, zinc, iron, and folic acid).
Are There Effective Canker Sore Treatments?
Most minor and herpetiform canker sores will resolve on their own within two weeks. Following a proper oral hygiene routine is essential for proper healing. Home remedies include saltwater, baking soda and water, or hydrogen peroxide and water rinses. Some people prefer dabbing milk of magnesia on the canker sore throughout the day. Liquid Benadryl and milk of magnesia mixed and used as a rinse may help provide relief for some people.
Drs. Michelle and Scott Weninger do not like to see patients suffer. If a canker sore does not seem to be healing and is excruciatingly painful, please give us a call. There are medications available that can reduce the pain and inflammation caused by canker sores. Laser therapy is an option for some ulcers that are not healing on their own.
Is it Possible to Prevent Canker Sores?
Building up the immune system and avoiding stress seems to be the best defense against canker sores. You may be able to reduce the frequency of canker sores linked to underlying medical conditions by following the advice of your doctors and keeping the medical conditions under control.
If certain foods seem to trigger canker sores, consider avoiding that type of food. People with braces or oral appliances that cause irritation may want to use dental wax to protect sensitive mouth tissues.
Talk to your team at Weninger Dentistry if you are concerned with the frequency or severity of canker sores. Be sure to visit twice a year for regular cleanings and check-ups.