Canker sores can be a painful nuisance for many people.
Have you ever had small, shallow ulcers appear in your mouth that make eating and talking uncomfortable? These are called canker sores, and they typically will appear three to four times a year and last up to week. They often occur in people ages 10 to 20, although they may also occur more frequently in people who’ve previously had them.
Causes of Canker Sores
There isn’t a definitively known cause of canker sores. Stress or tissue injury may be one reason, and certain foods like acidic fruits and vegetables may be another. A sharp tooth or piece of your braces that penetrates the gums can trigger a canker sore. Some complex canker sore cases may be the result of underlying health conditions, such as an impaired immune system or nutritional deficits.
The Differences Between Canker Sores and Cold Sores
Many people mistakes confuse cold sores and canker sores with one another, but they are not the same. Cold sores are fever blisters of the herpes simplex type 1. They are painful, fluid-filled blisters that are extremely contagious. Canker sores, on the other hand, are not contagious and they only appear inside the mouth.
Canker Sore Symptoms & Treatments
How do you know if you have a canker sore? They are characterized by the following:
- Painful sores inside the mouth, whether on the tongue, the soft palate (the back part of the roof of your mouth), or inside the cheeks.
- A tingling or burning sensation where sores appear.
- Round, white or gray sores, possibly with a red edge or border in the mouth.
- You may also experience fever, sluggishness, or swollen lymph nodes.
Other than a dental laser, there is no complete cure for canker sores, and they will generally lessen in a few days and heal fully within about a week or two. You can also purchase over-the-count gels to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with canker sores.
Professional Dental Care from Annapolis Dental Care
If you want to schedule your next visit, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! We can give you more information, or schedule your appointment. Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. 1