While they can be quite small, canker sores can be a major pain. Canker sores are typically round lesions that are yellow or white in color. They can erupt unexpectedly, anywhere in the mouth. Most canker sores go away on their own within 10-14 days, but this can feel like eternity if they are in a sensitive area of your mouth. It is not uncommon for certain patients to suffer from frequent canker sores.
Canker Sore Triggers
Why do canker sores erupt? Here are three common triggers to help you understand what causes canker sores as well as how you could potentially prevent the disturbance.
- Stress
- Acidic and Spicy Foods
- Vitamin Deficiency (B12, folic acid, zinc or iron)
What Can You Do?
If you already have a canker sore, you probably don’t care too much about how it formed. At this point, you just need some relief. You’ll need to brush gently with a soft-bristled brush when you have a caner sore; there’s no need to further irritate this sensitive lesion. This also means avoiding citrus fruits, hot salsa and other trigger foods until your canker sore has dissipated. There are numerous over-the-counter products to reduce the discomfort of a canker sore, including gels or liquids that act as a numbing agent while promoting tissue healing. In most cases, your body just needs time to fight back and heal these oral sores.
When to See Your Dentist
If you have had a mouth sore of any kind longer than two weeks, see your dentist. Your dentist may want to perform a quick oral cancer screening or recommend a treatment regime to help the canker sore heal properly. At Ambler Dental Care, we are here to help you prevent and treat common mouth issues such as canker sores. We understand how disruptive they can be to your eating patterns and quality of life.
Posted on behalf of Ambler Dental Care