Canker Sores Explained

Canker sores affect nearly 20% of people.

Sometimes confused with cold sores, canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers) manifest on the inside of the mouth only and are not contagious.

These sores can easily be recognized by their oval shape with a red border, and usually a white, gray or yellow center. Canker sores can be painful, but most will heal without treatment in a short time.

Where canker sores come from

No one is totally sure what causes canker sores, though a likely factor is heredity. They typically afflict people ages 10 to 20 years old and affect women almost twice as much as men. Connections have been discovered between stress and canker sores, and they often occur at the location where the mouth has been injured. Connections have been found between canker sores and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a component of a lot of types of toothpaste and mouthwashes, also. And, lastly, canker sores may be an indicator of an immune system issue.

Minor, major and herpetiform canker sores are the three varieties of canker sores. Most occurrences are minor canker sores. You can find out more about these types on the Mayo Clinic website.

Dealing with a canker sore

No medical treatment is typically required if you are suffering from a minor canker sore. There are a couple of things you can do to reduce additional pain, though.
– Refrain from eating spicy foods as well as those that could be scratchy or hard, as these will irritate the wound.
– Consider using a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate and don’t don’t use a toothbrush on the canker sore.

Ways to keep from getting a canker sore

– Avoid foods that irritate your mouth.
– Be sure to get good nutrition and are avoiding vitamin deficiency
– Defend your mouth against cuts
-Orthodontic wax can help with braces.
– Reduce or eliminate your stress.

Call your doctor or get in touch with Dr. Faist if you are suffering from a canker sore that is larger than normal or especially painful or one that doesn’t seem to heal.