If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you’ll know how irritating and even how painful they can be. What are these annoying little sores in your mouth and how can you stop them from happening? Read on for the answers.
What is a canker sore?
Canker sores are a kind of mouth ulcer that can occur for a number of reasons. They can be very painful, especially causing pain when eating. However, canker sores do typically go away on their own after a week or two. Women are said to be more commonly affected by canker sores than men.
What causes them?
One of the most common causes of canker sores is trauma or abrasion, which is why they often occur in people who have braces or dentures. Especially if they are ill-fitting, braces and dentures can rub against the cheek and create the resulting sore. Similarly, canker sores can also occur if you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek while eating. Swollen canker sores can cause problems as you are then more likely to bite it again while eating, preventing it from healing.
Other factors can cause canker sores, including certain abrasive or acidic ingredients in food, drink, or even in toothpaste. They can also occur as a kind of allergic reaction or food sensitivity, or simply as a result of hormonal changes or stress.
How to stop them from coming back
If you frequently get canker sores, then there is likely an underlying cause that needs treating. Check in with your dentist for their opinion and for tips on how to treat your sores and manage the pain. If you wear dentures or braces, then your dentist will be able to assess if these are the cause of the sores and whether they can be adjusted to prevent recurrences.
If this is not the cause, then your dentist and doctor may be able to diagnose another condition that’s causing the sores to keep coming back. Consult your doctor about any potential food allergies or intolerances that may be the root of the problem, including Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel syndrome. You can also ask if any medication you are taking is making you more susceptible to canker sores.
Finding the root of the problem will help you to stop canker sores from coming back repeatedly. If you need a consultation about canker sores or any other dental problems, book an appointment with us for our expert advice and treatments for patients around Winston Salem, Lewisville, Mocksville, and Advance.