Canker Sores

If you are brushing one morning and you get a feeling of inflammation or irritation in your mouth or on your tongue then you have to make sure that it's not because of Canker Sores. A canker sore is painful inflammation in the mouth or on tongue. Canker sores, also known as 'aphthous ulcers', are small and shallow sores. The reason for development cannot be accurately defined but even if you have these ulcers are cured automatically without treatment however in more severe cases you may be recommended to use anti-inflammatory medicines.

Canker Sores are :-

Canker sores are small, shallow, painful sores in the mouth or on the tongue and are often accompanied with the feeling of inflammation and irritation. It can first manifest on the tongue and gradually spread on the inside of cheeks and even on to the lips.

Generally, they are reddish and sometimes have white coating over them. It usually gives burning sensation while having food and drinking. You may not see sores right at the time when you get burning sensation but then it grows gradually with red bumps at the place. After a certain duration it grows and bursts out with a shallow white or yellowish opening on it.

Causes of cancer sores are :-

Anyone can have canker sores but it has been observed that women and teens get them often. Many cases are found in ages ranging from 10 to 20 years. You can have it running through your families but good news is that it is not a contagious disease. It means that if someone in your family is having canker sore then there is possibility of you also getting them, but the chances are very less. The exact cause for development of canker sores is not known but commonly, lack of nutrition, food allergies, menstrual cycle or even stress can cause canker sores.

Some of the researches have suggested that using of toothpastes and mouthwashes containing SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can develop canker sores. It is the foaming agent used in these kinds of products. Even if you are lacking with iron or vitamin B12, may also contribute to some cases of developing canker sores for you.

Treatment for canker sores: -

Generally, you need not go under any special kind of treatment for canker sores. Certainly, pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used that help to reduce the painful sensation of the sores. There are some topical medicines such as Orajel, Zilactin-B, Anbesol, etc. that might help reduce the irritation from the sores while eating, drinking or brushing.

You can even use a medicine with the combination of peroxide and glycerin that helps the sores to clean and cover it with a coat. Hydrogen peroxide can help you here, you just have to add two ounces of hydrogen peroxide and two ounces of water and use this mixture as a mouthwash at least twice a day. Apart from this prefer using toothpastes and mouthwashes that do not contain SLS.

You can even try an equal mixture of milk of magnesia and Benadryl allergy liquid to wash your mouth. Keep this mixture in your mouth for about 60 seconds and then spit it out. Your canker sores may not hurt much if you use this mixture for at least 4 to 5 times a day.

Some doctors suggest putting wet black tea bags on sores may help to relieve the pain. Black tea contains tannin, a substance that helps reducing pain. But at the same time, you have to be careful about the food that you eat when you have sores. It should not be too spicy, hard or acidic. For example avoid lemons or tomatoes, or things that can hurt the sore like chips.

If you find that your sores last for a longer time say more than 2 weeks and inflammation persists and you face difficulty in eating then, you must visit your doctor. It is possible that you may also have fever accompanying canker sores.

Your doctor may recommend you some special mouthwash or some topical application. If you have applied the medicine on the sore, do not eat or drink anything after this application for at least half an hour and wash it thoroughly before you eat. Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctor might suggest you the appropriate medication but usually the development of canker sores might not be a very grave situation. Only if it lasts for a long time or re-appears again and the pain persists, do make it a point to get it checked from your doctor.