Have you ever developed a white, painful sore with red borders inside your mouth? Chances are that you may have had a canker sore, also known as an aphthous ulcer. These lesions can make eating and talking painful. Although the reason behind their appearance in your mouth is quite a mystery, common triggers include stress, slight injuries to the soft tissues of your mouth, ill-fitting dentures, and even braces.
If you are looking for a complete guide to canker sores, this article is for you. Keep reading to understand what canker sores are, how to spot them, and, most importantly, know about canker sores treatment.
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small mouth ulcers (minor aphthous ulcers) that appear with a white, yellow, or grey centre surrounded by a red border. In some cases, these sores can be larger (major aphthous ulcers) with a raised border. While they may appear as a single sore, they can also occur in clusters, often recurring at various times (recurrent aphthous stomatitis). Unlike cold sores (fever blisters) which are caused by herpes simplex virus, canker sores are not contagious.
While the exact cause of canker sores remains unknown, genetic factors, especially family history, could play a role. Canker sores can develop from various factors, including mouth injuries like biting the inside of your cheek, viral infections, stress, or other health conditions such as food allergies. It can be painful, but most of them heal within seven to ten days. However, if your sore persists for more than two weeks, it is vital to seek medical advice from your dental professional to get proper canker sore treatment.
Canker Sore Symptoms
Canker sores appear in varying types based on their severity. Minor canker sores are typically smaller and less intense when compared to major canker sores, which can be larger and more painful. Despite these differences, they often share common symptoms that can help in identifying their presence. These include:
Tingling or burning sensation a day or two before the sores actually appear.
Small, round ulcers that are white, grey, or yellow with a red border.
In more severe cases, individuals may also experience additional symptoms such as:
Fever
Tiredness
Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the size and number of canker sores present. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early recognition and management of canker sores. If you experience prolonged or unusually severe symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Canker Sores Treatment
Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or two. However, the painful nature of the sore often leads one to seek mouth sore treatment. Fortunately, there are several treatment options, including home remedies and over-the-counter treatments that can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Old-Fashioned Remedies
While there are home remedies that can help reduce discomfort and promote healing, they can only provide temporary relief and may not be a substitute for professional mouth ulcer treatment. Some of the most common home remedies for canker sores include:
Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution may help reduce inflammation and soothe pain. Ideally, one teaspoon of salt is mixed with a glass of warm water and rinsed several times a day.
Milk of Magnesia: It is widely believed that applying milk of magnesia to the sore with a cotton swab can help neutralise acids in the mouth and provide pain relief. Typically, the cotton swab is dabbed on the sore a few times a day.
Avoid Irritating Foods: Staying away from hot and spicy foods, or acidic foods can prevent further irritation and pain. You may opt for bland, soft foods that are less likely to irritate the sore and trigger the outbreak.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
If home remedies are not providing sufficient relief from the pain and discomfort of canker sores, it might be time to consider over-the-counter canker sore medicines. These treatments may offer more effective relief, helping you manage the symptoms more comfortably. Here are some over-the-counter mouth ulcer medicines that you may try:
Topical Anaesthetics: Products containing benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide can numb the pain and protect the sore from further irritation. Normally, these gels or ointments are directly applied to the sore as directed by a healthcare provider.
Antimicrobial Mouthwashes: Using a mouthwash with antimicrobial properties or corticosteroid mouth rinses may help reduce bacteria in the mouth, thereby speeding up the healing process. You may also look for products containing chlorhexidine or other germ-fighting ingredients.
Nutritional Supplements
Canker sores can sometimes be caused by low levels of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron. These vitamin deficiencies weaken the immune system and may affect your mouth’s protective lining, making it more prone to developing canker sores. In such cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe nutritional supplements to address these deficiencies.
These supplements might include folate (folic acid), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, or zinc, helping to restore your nutrient levels and potentially reduce the occurrence of canker sores. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right supplements and dosages to meet your individual needs. This can help in managing canker sores more effectively and also in supporting your overall oral health.
To sum up, canker sores, though generally harmless, can cause significant discomfort and may sometimes require treatment. Understanding their triggers and symptoms can help you manage them effectively. Home remedies, over-the-counter mouth rinses, and nutritional supplements can provide relief and promote healing. Additionally, practising good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with the right toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily can help keep them at bay. If your sores persist or are particularly severe, consult a healthcare professional for canker sores treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you heal a canker sore fast?
If you are wondering how to get rid of canker sores, you may try home remedies like rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution to reduce inflammation. You may also apply over-the-counter gels or ointments with benzocaine for pain relief, and avoid spicy or acidic foods. If the sore persists for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare professional.
What is the best medicine for canker sores?
The best medicine for canker sores includes over-the-counter topical anaesthetics like benzocaine to numb the pain. Antimicrobial mouthwashes can also help reduce bacteria and promote healing. For severe cases, consulting a healthcare professional for prescribed canker sore medicine is recommended.
How long do canker sores last?
Pain from a canker sore typically goes away within 7 to 10 days, though complete healing can take 1 to 3 weeks. If you are wondering how to cure canker sore, keep in mind that larger ulcers may require more time to fully heal. It is also important to practise good oral hygiene and avoid irritating the sore for faster healing.
What makes canker sores worse?
Spicy and acidic foods, like lemons or tomatoes, can cause significant pain when they come into contact with these open wounds. It is best to avoid hard, scratchy, or crunchy foods such as nuts, toast, or potato chips, as they can irritate or poke the sore. Additionally, take care when brushing your teeth to avoid aggravating the sore.
