Canker sores are small, sensitive and painful ulcerations formed inside the mouth. These types of sores are very common and recurrent, but they are also dangerous in some cases. Usually they are caused due to Vitamin B & C deficiency. Open sores of 5mm-10mm are formed due to this ulceration, they last anywhere between three to ten days.
Causes of Canker Sores
The exact cause for canker sores is yet to be found, but dentists give the following causes
- Faults in the functioning of our immune system
- Most women face this problem due to hormonal changes
- Nutritional problems including deficiency of vitamin C & B and minerals like zinc and iron
- Allergies can also cause canker sores
- Tissue injury or stress on the gums can lead to sores
- In rare cases, medical reactions may cause the canker sores
- People with HIV infection, Crohn’s disease, Bechet’s disease are more prone to canker sores
Symptoms of Canker Sores
- Open painful sores on your tongue, inside your cheeks, at the gum base, under the tongue; literally any where inside your mouth
- These sores are generally white or pink in color with red edge, usually round or egg shaped
- Tingling and burning sensation at the sores
- Bad breath while talking
- Uneasiness and discomfort while eating
- Fever
Treatment for Canker Sores
- Chlorhexidine Mouthwash can reduce your pain, prevent spreading and help in healing the sores more quickly
- Choline Salicylate gel or Benzydamine spray are very effective, especially in treating canker sores
- Superficial tissue cauterization with silver nitrate stick or debacterol can be done
- Corticosteroids can be applied as a paste on the sores or it can be used as a mouthwash
- Steroid lozenges work faster in relieving pain and reduce the canker sores
- Oral or topical tetracycline suspension can be given to reduce the effects of ulceration
