Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are uncomfortable and painful sores that appear inside your mouth. They can range from small, shallow, and round to large, deep, and irregular. Canker sores are not contagious like cold sores, but they can still be painful and bothersome, making it difficult to eat, drink, and even talk. They can also be embarrassing, as they are visible and may cause bad breath.
Canker sores are usually white or yellow with a red border. They can appear anywhere inside the mouth, but most commonly on the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, and the lips.
There are several different causes of canker sores. Some of the most common causes include stress, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and reactions to certain foods or beverages. Allergies to certain toothpastes, mouthwashes, or dental materials may also be a factor. Canker sores may also be caused by trauma to the mouth, such as biting the inside of the cheek or accidentally biting the tongue.
Symptoms of Canker Sore
The most common symptom of canker sores is a burning or tingling sensation on the affected area. This is usually the first symptom to appear. Then, a few days later, a small red bump appears in the area of the burning or tingling sensation. Eventually, this bumps develops into a shallow ulcer with a round, yellow or white center and a red border.
Canker sores are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling, tenderness, and a burning sensation when eating acidic or spicy foods. It may also be painful to brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or floss.
Canker sores can be very disruptive to everyday life. They can make talking and eating uncomfortable, as well as make it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks. People with canker sores may also experience bad breath and a metallic taste in their mouth.
Diagnosis of Canker Sore
Diagnosing canker sores is fairly straightforward. First of all, it is important to distinguish canker sores from other types of mouth sores, such as cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus. Canker sores are not contagious and do not contain the same virus as cold sores.
The first step in diagnosing a canker sore is to examine the area visually. The doctor will look for the characteristic appearance of a canker sore and look for any unusual spots or changes in the area. If a canker sore is suspected, the doctor may also take a swab of the area to rule out an infection or other condition.
In some cases, the doctor may order a biopsy of the sore to objectively diagnose the condition. In a biopsy, a small sample of the canker sore is taken and examined microscopically. This can help to determine if the sore is indeed a canker sore or is due to another condition.
In some cases, the doctor may order a blood test to determine if the canker sore is due to a vitamin deficiency or autoimmune disorder. Certain vitamin deficiencies, such as a deficiency in vitamin B12, can cause canker sores. An autoimmune disorder such as Crohn’s disease or HIV can also cause canker sores.
A doctor can also order an x-ray or an ultrasound to look for any underlying conditions that could be causing the canker sore. If the patient is experiencing any other symptoms, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes, this can help the doctor to make a more comprehensive diagnosis.
Treating Canker Sore
The treatment for canker sore can include topical creams and ointments to reduce the pain and speed healing, or medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain. If a vitamin deficiency or autoimmune disorder is causing the canker sore, the doctor may prescribe supplements or medications to address the underlying condition.
There are several things you can do to reduce the pain and help it heal faster. First, you should avoid acidic or spicy foods that may irritate the sore. Additionally, you should avoid brushing the area or using salty or acidic mouthwashes, as these can make the area even more painful. You should also rinse your mouth with a salt water solution several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter treatments are available to help soothe the pain and speed up healing. These include topical medications that contain benzocaine or other ingredients that can reduce pain and help the sore heal faster. Additionally, some people find relief using numbing agents, such as lidocaine, applied directly to the sore.
If the sore lasts longer than a few weeks or continues to come back, it is important to see your doctor or dentist for further evaluation. In some cases, canker sores can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, which can help prevent canker sores from occurring in the first place.
Canker sores can be painful and bothersome, but the good news is that most cases will resolve on their own. With proper treatment and care, you can reduce the pain and help the sore heal faster. If you continue to have recurrent or severe canker sores, it’s important to speak with your doctor or dentist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.