Aphthous ulcers or canker sores are sore, small ulcers that form inside the oral cavity. These sores cause some changes in eating, drinking, and stammering or slurring when speaking. While most canker sores are rare and benign, they may reoccur and lead to considerable discomfort to the patient. In this guide, we will discuss the probable causes and most evident signs of canker sores, as well as suggestions on how they can be avoided and healed.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are open mouth ulcers that are not infectious, which develop on the wet, red areas of the mouth such as the inner cheek, tongue, or gums. They are not related to cold sores, which are resulting from the herpes virus and are found on the face. They are mostly do not take long to heal, usually within one to two weeks, but can be so painful that they cause recurring discomfort to some individuals.
Symptoms of Canker Sores
A person must know the signs of a canker sore so that appropriate treatment can be done soon. Common signs include:
Painful Lesions: The principal sign is the presence of smooth, round, white or yellow formations with red edges in the mouth or on the genitals.
Burning or Tingling Sensation: Some of the patients say that they have a mild burning feeling before developing the actual sores.
Difficulty Eating and Talking: This is why often, people with canker sores will find it really uncomfortable to eat, to drink, or even to speak.
Swollen Gums: There can be slight inflammation around the sores, but this is not very common and fades away as the sores heal.
Top 10 Causes of Canker Sores
What exactly causes canker sores, however, is not well understood, though several things are thought to either cause them or make them worse. Here are the most common ones:
1. Oral Injuries
Brushing the teeth to aggressively or biting the inner cheek, or having a dental appliance in the mouth like braces is known to cause injuries that lead to the formation of sores in the mouth.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiency in vitamin B-12, iron, zinc and folate proved to cause recurrent canker sores.
3. Food Sensitivities
Some with even groups of foods such as spicy, acidic, or abrasive food like nuts, chocolate, and even citrus fruits may rub the mouth and cause the formation of sores.
4. Hormonal Changes
Ideally, women get canker sores at certain times in their menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, or during menopause.
5. Stress and Fatigue
Other causes of canker sores include stress and lack of sleep. Stress negatively affects the immune system, making the body prone to outbreaks.
6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
This ingredient, commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash, has been linked to canker sores. SLS can irritate the mouth’s mucous membranes, leading to the development of sores.
7. Genetic Predisposition
Research suggests that a family history of canker sores can increase the likelihood of developing them. Individuals with a genetic predisposition may be more susceptible to recurring outbreaks.
8. Allergies
In some cases, canker sores result when the body has an allergic reaction to specific foods or bacteria in the mouth.
9. Viral Infections
However, canker sores are not herpes, yet viral illnesses such as the flu or a cold can make a person weak and thus cause sores.
10. Underlying Medical Conditions
Chronic health concerns such as HIV/AIDS attack the immune system and thus make a person vulnerable to repeated canker sore occurrences.
 Canker sores are more of a nuisance than anything since there is no cure and no way to prevent getting them.
Treatment Options for Canker Sores
Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks, but there are several ways to ease the discomfort and speed up healing:
Over-the-Counter Medications
In topical applications, creams or gels made from benzocaine and hydrogen peroxide help lessen pain and enhance the rate of healing.
Mouth Rinses
Rinsing with saltwater or using mouthwashes containing the steroid dexamethasone can ease the inflammation and pain.
Nutritional Supplements
If you have a deficiency, taking vitamin B-12 supplements, iron, or folic acids will decrease the chances of getting canker sores.
Cauterization
In extreme conditions, chemical or laser closure is used to seal the wound to prevent the formation of blood clots and encourage quick healing.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Avoiding the foods that may irritate your skin or cause inflammation such as spicy, acidic or food that triggers your known allergy will help prevent skin flare-ups in future.
Preventing Canker Sores
Although canker sores are not entirely preventable, following these strategies can reduce the likelihood of their recurrence:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush lightly and refrain from using toothpaste that contains chemicals that can cause damage, the most popular of which is SLS.
- Eat a balanced diet: Make sure you feed your body with enough of the necessary vitamins and minerals.
- Manage stress: Some of the things that can be done to lower your risk include engaging in some form or stress buster such as prayer, meditation or even deep breathing exercises.
- Protect your mouth: If you use braces, consult your dentist on applying orthodontic wax to avoid accidents caused by the wire’s sharp tips.
Conclusion
While canker sores can be painful and disruptive, understanding their causes—such as oral injuries, stress, and nutritional deficiencies—can help prevent them. Recognizing the signs early, using appropriate mouthwash, avoiding trigger foods, and practicing good oral hygiene can alleviate discomfort and speed up healing. If canker sores are persistent or severe, consulting a dentist is essential for further evaluation and treatment. For more information on solutions, visit Northeast View Dental http://NortheastViewDental.ca