A canker sore is a minor abrasion that develops on the mouth's soft tissue, lips, or at the base of the gum line. Though small in size, a canker sore in just the right spot can make eating and talking quite difficult.
Canker sores fall into three categories, according to Mayo Clinic: minor, major and herpetiform. Minor canker sores are typically small, oval-shaped and capable of healing in one to two weeks. Major sores tend to be larger and deeper, with irregular edges. Their healing process can last as long as six weeks and produce noticeable scarring. Herpetiforms develop in the later stages of life, are the size of a pinpoint, and often appear in a cluster of 10 to 100. Although they heal in the same time frame as minor canker sores, they also have irregular edges similar to major canker sores.
If you think you have a canker sore, consult your doctor or dentist first; he or she can determine whether you do, and what type it is. Remember, minor canker sores typically don't need treatment, as they usually dissipate in a couple of weeks. For major or herpetiform canker sores, there are several treatment options available:
If your canker sore is a side effect of a different medical condition, there are still several ways to find relief. These include rinsing your mouth with a solution of salt water and baking soda, or using an OTC product that contains a numbing agent. You can also apply bits of ice to the sore, and avoid acidic or spicy foods until it dissipates. Be sure to brush your teeth gently so as not to aggravate the tissue around the blister.
If none of these treatments sounds appealing or has been effective for you, your best course of treatment is to prevent canker sores altogether. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
No one likes getting a canker sore, but by following the right course of treatment – and consulting your dentist – you'll find canker sore relief before you know it.
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