Canker sores are a common problem that our Summerlin patient base brings up to Dr. Cohan, who is their dentist. These lesions are distinguished from others because they are characterized by the presence of sensitive sores within the mouth. They are also known as aphthous ulcers and aphthous stomatitis. They can be found on the tongue, the inside of the cheek, the lips, or the throat, and they appear in a variety of hues, such as white, gray, or yellow with a border of red.
Are Canker Sores and Fever Blisters, which are both other names for cold sores, the same thing?
An infection caused by the herpes simplex virus manifests itself as a fever blister, often known as a cold sore. However, a canker sore is nothing more than an ulcer (HSV). Canker sores, on the other hand, are not communicable, which stands in stark contrast to cold sores, which are notoriously infectious and almost always manifest themselves externally on the lips.
What Contributes to the Formation of Canker Sores and What Can Be Done to Prevent Them
There are many different things that might create canker sores, and each of these things has a unique effect. Some people, according to the hypothesis that these ulcers are inherited, are predisposed to getting them from the moment they are born. While some people can train themselves to detect particular triggers, some people are born with a genetic predisposition to develop this disorder.
On the other side, canker sores are often brought on by the following, which can also serve as preventative measures:
Sodium lauryl sulfate toothpaste, which is more commonly known to as SLS, is a purifying chemical that is found in a variety of toothpastes, personal care products, and skin care products. SLS is an acronym for sodium lauryl sulfate. The viscosity and frothy quality of toothpaste are both attributable to the presence of SLS. Unfortuitously, it may exacerbate the condition in some persons who already have it. In point of fact, a sizeable percentage of individuals have a sensitivity to these sulfates, which results in the development of ulcers on the mucosal lining of their mouths.
Check the list of ingredients that is printed on the back of your toothpaste if you have recurring canker sores and are unable to identify any other factors that might be contributing to the issue. If it happens, you should find another toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as an ingredient and discontinue using the one you are now using.
foods that are prepared at high temperatures and foods that include acids Canker sores are typically caused by acidic meals like citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, tomatoes, and even coffee. Tomatoes are another common acidic food that can cause canker sores.
Consuming foods that are particularly spicy might also irritate the sensitive lining of the mouth.
If you believe that the foods you eat may be the root cause of your canker sores, you should give serious consideration to making adjustments to your diet.
Canker sores have been linked to stress, but the exact mechanism by which stress triggers these sores remains a mystery. Nevertheless, there is no denying that stress plays a role in the development of canker sores. In addition to this, it may cause problems such as headaches, gastrointestinal troubles, and difficulty sleeping. You can reduce the amount of stress in your life by doing things like going to the gym, seeing a therapist, getting a massage, or going on a vacation. Going on vacation, treating yourself to a massage, and pursuing other possible courses of action are also options.
Mouth injury - Canker sores can be caused by a variety of oral injuries, such as extremely forceful teeth cleaning, improperly fitting braces or dentures, or the use of a removable mouthpiece. Canker sores can also be caused by the use of a removable mouthpiece.
Take special precautions to protect the delicate oral tissue in your mouth from getting hurt. Brush your teeth thoroughly, see a dentist to have your mouthpieces and dentures fixed, and cover your orthodontic appliances with wax.
Canker sores are a symptom of multiple diseases, including those that affect the immune system (such systemic lupus erythematosus or Behcet's disease) or the digestive tract (like Celiac disease or Crohn's disease). It is recognized that cold sores can be caused by a wide variety of illnesses, including those that weaken your immune system, such as the common cold or influenza, HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or oral cancer.
Several medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, chemotherapeutic therapies, immunosuppressants, and sulfa pharmaceuticals, have been implicated in the development of canker sores. Canker sores are a side effect that have been linked to the use of both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Talk to your primary care physician about the possibility that the medications you take could be the cause of your canker sores if you have them on a regular basis and take a lot of prescription drugs. This is especially important if you take a lot of medications. They may recommend that you stop using a certain medication or switch to a different medication altogether.
Canker sores' Telltale Signs and Symptoms
Canker sore sufferers would do well to familiarize themselves with the factors that contribute to the development of the condition as well as the signs and symptoms that appear in the days and weeks before a canker sore appears.
The following are some examples of common symptoms and warning indicators that you should watch out for:
Keep in mind the factors that led to our discussion of the causes of canker sores in the preceding section. These are the potential causes of a canker sore.
Canker sores, if left untreated, will normally heal on their own between five and seven days after the onset of symptoms.
Applying ice to the affected area can help relieve discomfort, and periodically washing the skin with a warm solution of salt water can help calm the skin. Applying ice can also help reduce inflammation. Baking soda and apple cider vinegar are two other home treatments that can be utilized (never use hydrogen peroxide).
Canker sores are painful and cause swelling, but there are treatments available over-the-counter that can help alleviate the discomfort and reduce the amount of swelling. Infection prevention is another potential benefit of these medicines. Products such as mouthwashes, protection patches, and topical therapies that are applied directly to the skin are included in this category.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are also available for purchase with a prescription from a medical professional in the event that they are required.
When and how to seek the Assistance of Professionals
If you have a canker sore that is larger than usual, is spreading, lasts longer than a few weeks, causes excruciating pain, restricts your ability to eat or drink, or is accompanied by a fever, contact our dental office in Summerlin as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
You can count on Dr. Cohan and the rest of our experienced team to lend you a hand whenever it's most convenient for you. If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to give us a call; alternatively, feel free to stop by; we'd be delighted to see you.
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GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
