You may feel a small sore on the inside of your lip or under your tongue. It wasn’t there yesterday. It seemed to have just appeared. What could it be? You are likely suffering from a canker sore or what is scientifically referred to as an aphthous ulcer, a common and bothersome soreness in the mouth.
Aphthous ulcers or canker sores are usually less than a half-of-an-inch in diameter, oval in shape, have a red border and a whitish or yellowish center. You will sometimes feel a tingling sensation in the area for a couple of days before they actually show up.
Cold sores or aphthous ulcers are not the same. Cold sores are caused by viruses and are usually found on the outside or dry portions of the lip or on hard tissues in the mouth, such as your palate. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes virus. Cold sores are contagious and respond to anti-viral medications. Canker sores on the other hand occur on loose, wet tissues of the inner lip, below the gum line and under the tongue. They are neither viral or contagious.
Canker sores tend to show up for no apparent reason. There is no direct cause. That said, in some cases, a sharp area on your teeth or filling can cause trauma leading to a sore. Also, allergies or sensitivities to certain foods can trigger a canker sore. Some foods include chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, as well as acidic foods. A diet lacking in vitamin B12, zinc, folate and iron may also play a role. Also, stress is associated with canker sores. Another likely factor in the development of canker sores is an infection by helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria known for causing stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
A key factor in the prevention of canker sores is to determine your emotional state, your diet and your medication history. When did the canker sores start?
What were you eating?
Have there been recent changes in your diet?
Have you started taking a new medication?
Are you under considerable stress?
While canker sores are a nuisance, they are usually not dangerous. If they are large or you get clusters of them, it would be a good idea to request a blood test to investigate further for nutritional deficiencies among other things.
So, what is the treatment for canker sores?
The best treatment for a canker sore may surprise you – no treatment. Canker sores usually go away on their own. As much as they are bothersome, they will usually go away over several days. In real irritating and painful circumstances, dentists may prescribe antibacterial mouth rinses, special toothpastes, or topical ointments. At Center for Specialized Dentistry, in cases where the mouth ulcers are really painful, we use laser treatment to decontaminate the sore and create a protective layer that is much more comfortable and heals faster. Also, nutritional supplements can be prescribed.
The key in managing canker sores is to look at the changes that you have made recently to your lifestyle, eating habits and medications. You can be your own detective in determining why the canker sore started. As dentists, we are here to assist you in finding the cause and helping you find a workable solution.
• Dr. Kendal V.O. Major is the founder and CEO of the Center for Specialized Dentistry, which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in New Providence and Grand Bahama. He is the first Bahamian specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He is also a certified fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, New Providence. He can be contacted at (242) 325-5165 or kmajorcsd@gmail.com.
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source https://thenassauguardian.com/mouth-sores-can-be-a-nuisance/
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