Everything You Need to Know About Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers that form inside the mouth. They can be very painful and make it difficult to eat or drink. Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about canker sores.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, there are several things that may contribute to their formation, including:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes (e.g., during puberty or menopause)
• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid)
• Trauma to the mouth (e.g., from toothpaste that is too abrasive or braces that rub against the inside of the mouth)
• Use of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners or drugs that contain sulfur)
• Infections (e.g., viral infections such as herpes simplex virus type 1 or bacterial infections such as strep throat)

How Are Canker Sores Treated?

Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process. These include:

• Eating soft foods and avoiding spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that might irritate the sore
• Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution
• Applying a topical numbing agent
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Applying a topical steroid cream
• Undergoing laser treatment (this is usually done by a dentist or doctor)

How Can Canker Sores Be Prevented?

Canker sores are most common in teens and young adults, and can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, or a lack of certain nutrients. While canker sores are not contagious, they can be difficult to get rid of once they form. However, there are some things that can be done to prevent canker sores from forming in the first place:

• Reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
• Avoiding foods that you know trigger canker sores
• Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily
• Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste without fluoride
• Wearing mouthguards when playing sports

If you experience frequent or severe canker sores, you should see a dentist or doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Contact Park 56 Dental Today for Canker Sores Treatment and Advice

If you’re dealing with canker sores, Park 56 Dental can help. We can provide you with tips on how to prevent canker sores from forming in the first place, and we can also provide you with treatment options if you do develop one. Don’t suffer in silence–contact Park 56 Dental today. We’ll be happy to help you get your mouth back to feeling healthy and comfortable again.