What is the main cause of canker sores?

June 1, 2022

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are tiny lesions that grow on the lips or mouth. They are typically less than 1mm but may increase to ½ – 1 inch in diameter. These ulcers start as white and turn yellow with time. Anyone can become a victim of canker sores. However, they develop frequently in young adults and teenagers. Read below to know if toothpaste can help people with canker sores.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

Canker sore symptoms include:

• A burning or tingling sensation
• Sores that appear to be white, gray, or round with a red border or edge
• An achy sore is located inside the cheeks, tongue, or soft palate.

Severe aphthous ulcer attacks may even result in:

• Tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

If you have canker sores, canker sores treatment in Encinitas can help.

Causes of Canker Sores

Below are the causes of canker sores:

• Allergies or sensitivity to chocolate, highly acidic foods, coffee, etc.
• Consuming a diet low in Zinc, vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid.
• Mouth injury caused by sports accidents, harsh toothbrushing, installment of braces, biting the inside of the lip, etc.
• Using toothpaste, including sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Consumption of acidic fruits and veggies like apples, lemons, pineapples, strawberries, figs, etc.
• Emotional stress.
• Physical irritation inside the mouth due to a cheek bite, braces, etc.
• Gastrointestinal tract diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, etc.
• Allergy to few mouth bacteria.
• Mineral or Vitamin deficiency.
• Consumption of acidic foods.
• Smoking or vaping.
• Oral cancer
• Autoimmune disorders like Behçet’s disease or lupus erythematosus.
• Hormonal fluctuation during the menstrual cycle
• Weaknesses in the immune system like flu, an organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, etc.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Helicobacter pylori (it is the bacteria that causes peptic ulcers)
• A sharp dental tool or tooth surface like loose-fitting dentures, braces, etc.
• Insufficient sleep
• A nutritional imbalance (due to a diet with insufficient folic acid, vitamin B-12, Zinc, or iron).
• Viral infection

When It’s Time to Visit a Doctor?

Contact our dentist in Encinitas if you have the following issues:

• Extreme difficulty in drinking or eating.
• Sores that stay for two weeks or more.
• Recurring sores
• High fever with canker sores
• Sores that spread into lips
• Pain that you cannot bear even with following at-home methods
• Unusually big canker sores

Can Toothpaste Help in Canker Sores?

Many clinicians have different perspectives. Few believe that today’s toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is the synthetic ingredient that helps in creating the foaming action. It causes a burn if you are prone to aphthous ulcers.

SLS dries out the safety line in the mouth. This makes it prone to bacteria, resulting in canker sores. But one study stated that toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate had no huge effect on the patterns of mouth ulcers. It signifies that toothpaste containing fewer preservatives and chemicals helps lower canker sores.

When buying toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate, first decide if you would need a fluoride-free or fluoride one. ADA usually suggests toothpaste containing fluoride because it helps prevent decay and makes enamel strong. If you choose a non-fluoride paste, one study has shown that remineralizing pastes with hydroxyapatite are as fruitful as fluoride toothpaste.

Treatment for Canker Sores

Simple canker sores typically heal within a few days or two weeks without treatment. Treatment for unusually achy, big, and long-staying sores includes:

1. Topical Medicines

Topical medications include topical analgesics, steroids, and a prescription ointment to provide relief from pain.

1. Mouthwashes

Your doctor may suggest a high-quality mouthwash, including steroid dexamethasone, in case of multiple canker sores. It helps in reducing inflammation and aches associated with canker sores.

1. Nutritional Supplements

If you take essential nutrients like Zinc, folate, etc., in a low amount, the doctor may suggest a nutritional supplement.

1. Oral Medications

When your canker sores do not treat with topical products or are severe, doctors recommend oral medicines.

1. Cautery

The doctor might also recommend cautery as the treatment of canker sores. The expert uses an instrument or chemicals such as silver nitrate or debater for destroying, burning, or searing tissues.

For any query related to canker sore treatment, visit Sinclair Smiles today.

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