No one loves them. They make eating a pain in the mouth. These gutsy little lesions are called canker sores, and they are the bane of optimal oral hygiene. Also known as an aphthous ulcer, canker sores are small, shallow sores that appear only on the inside of the mouth. A common occurrence, there are more than 3 million cases each year. With such a high incidence rate, it’s likely that we’ll all experience a canker sore at some point in time.
Signs of a Canker Sore
The most common symptom of a canker sore is a painful ulcer that makes eating and speaking quite difficult depending on the location of the sore. Canker sores are easily treatable and usually resolve on their own within one to two weeks. Below are several methods that may help relieve pain and discomfort.
- A topical anesthetic may help to numb the pain. You can purchase this type of pain reliever over the counter at your local pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.
- You may also consider using an antiseptic mouth rinse to limit the bacteria that infiltrates the sore, especially after eating and drinking.
- Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks to manage pain and help speed up the recovery period.
If you experience a fever or a sore that lasts more than 3 weeks or you get them frequently, see your doctor for a full examination. You may require more advanced treatment. With that said, we should not confuse canker sores with cold sores (or fever blisters). Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a strain of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which we will discuss in another article. If you notice a blistering sore on the outer parameters of the mouth, we advise that you seek medical attention for proper diagnosis.
How to Prevent Canker Sores
Considering the level of pain that canker sores may cause, prevention is key. The best solution? Take preventive measures to keep the mouth clean and free of harmful bacteria:
- Avoid injury to the interior of the mouth where infection can spread.
- Refrain from consuming highly acidic foods and drinks that may irritate the interior of the mouth.
- Learn what food allergies you may have that can trigger infection.
- Regulate your hormones.
- Avoid smoking, which can weaken the body’s natural defense mechanism.
- Strengthen your immune system with a healthy diet and plenty of rest.
- Be aware of triggering medical drugs.
Have more questions about canker sores and how to prevent them? Give us a buzz!