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Canker Sore

Canker Sore: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A canker sore is a small, shallow lesion that develops on soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. It is not contagious, and usually heals on its own within a week or two. The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canker sores will be discussed in this blog post. They can be painful and interfere with eating and speaking.

Causes of canker sores

Researchers believe that a combination of factors may lead to canker sores. Some of the possible factors include:

  • Minor injury to the mouth from dental work, brushing, biting, or braces

  • Toothpastes or mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate

  • Food sensitivities or allergies to acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, or strawberries

  • Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause

  • Stress or emotional distress

  • Nutritional deficiencies of folate, vitamin B-12, zinc, or iron

  • Immune system disorders such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or HIV/AIDS

  • Genetic factors that make some people more prone to canker sores

Symptoms of canker sores

The symptoms of canker sores vary depending on the type and severity of the lesions. There are three types of canker sores: minor, major, and herpetiform.

  • In one to two weeks, minor canker sores heal without scarring and usually have a white or yellow center with a red border. They are tiny (less than 1 cm) and oval-shaped.

  • Major canker sores are larger and deeper (more than 1 cm) than minor ones. They may take up to six weeks to heal and leave scars.

  • It is rare to develop herpetiform canker sores, which are not caused by the herpes virus and are similar to cold sores. Clusters of tiny (1 to 3 mm) ulcers may merge into a large sore. One to two weeks after they begin, they heal without scarring.

Some common signs and symptoms of canker sores include:

  • A burning or tingling sensation before the sore appears

  • A sore or ulcers in the mouth that may be gray, white, or yellow with a red border

  • Pain or discomfort when eating, drinking, talking, or brushing teeth

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

  • Fever or malaise in severe cases

Diagnosis of canker sores

It is usually possible to diagnose canker sores visually by examining the mouth. In most cases, no tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, unless there are other symptoms or signs suggesting an underlying condition. To rule out other causes of mouth ulcers, the following tests may be performed:

  • Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, immune system disorders, or infections

  • Biopsy to take a sample of tissue from the sore and examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer or other diseases

  • Allergy tests to identify any food or environmental triggers for canker sores

Treatment of canker sores

The majority of canker sores heal on their own in a week or two. However, some treatments can relieve pain and speed up healing. Some common treatments for canker sores include:

  • Reduce inflammation and pain by rinsing your mouth with salt water, baking soda solution, hydrogen peroxide solution, or prescription steroid or anesthetic solutions

  • Gels, creams, pastes, or liquids containing active ingredients such as benzocaine, fluocinonide, hydrogen peroxide to numb, kill bacteria, or promote healing of sores

  • Medications that ease discomfort, reduce swelling, prevent infection, or treat underlying conditions, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medications

  • An instrument (such as silver nitrate) or chemical substance (such as Debacterol) is used to burn, sear, or destroy sores to stop bleeding

  • To treat canker sores, nutritional supplements such as folate, vitamin B-12, zinc, or iron may be recommended

Prevention of canker sores

There may not be a way to prevent all canker sore outbreaks, but you can reduce the frequency of episodes by making some adjustments to your daily routine. Some general recommendations for canker sore prevention are:

  • Avoiding or limiting foods that may irritate your mouth such as spicy, acidic, or salty foods

  • Choosing toothpastes or mouth rinses that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate

  • Brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily

  • Protecting your mouth from injury by wearing a mouth guard during sports or avoiding sharp foods or objects

  • Managing your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing

  • Getting enough sleep and rest to boost your immune system

  • Visiting your doctor or dentist regularly for check-ups and screening tests

Conclusion

A canker sore is an ulcer in the mouth that causes pain and discomfort. A canker sore usually heals on its own within a week or two, but some treatments can ease the symptoms and speed up the healing process. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid irritants, and follow a healthy lifestyle to prevent canker sores.

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