Canker sores, officially called aphthous ulcers, are a fact of life for many. These painful ulcers make eating, drinking and speaking terribly uncomfortable. They come in small, large and cluster variations, and the large ones can last for up to six weeks. Those of you who get canker sores know how awful they are. Those of you who do not: thank your lucky stars!
Well, scientists have not yet pinned down an exact cause of canker sores. This probably means that there is not a single specific cause, but rather a combination of causes. Most people who experience canker sores regularly get them when their immune system is being challenged by something else.
Some people experience these ulcers when suffering from some type of nutritional deficiency; a zinc deficiency makes you more likely to get ulcers in your mouth. Other GI problems that cause difficulty for your stomach and intestines to absorb nutrients also put you at a higher risk for canker sores. Some people with food allergies find that ulcers are a result of eating the food they are allergic to.
An aphthous ulcer is often the result of trauma to the delicate tissues inside the mouth. If you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or the side of your tongue during chewing, the traumatized area could develop a canker sore in response. Some people even get ulcers after dental treatment, which can be hard on the soft tissue of the mouth.
Many people confuse the two, but they are distinct medical problems. Fever blisters (also called cold sores) are the result of a viral infection with Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (this is NOT the same virus associated with genital herpes). They always occur in small clusters and begin as tiny fluid-filled bumps. The bumps eventually burst, leading to a cluster of painful ulcers.
Location, Location, Location
Because aphthous ulcers can occur in clusters, too, the only visible distinction between canker sores and cold sores is in the location. They do not occur in the same places. Fever blisters and cold sores (the ones caused by a virus) only occur on the outer edges of the lips and on attached gum tissue. This means the gum tissue that is adhered to the underlying jawbone and is not movable. The most common intraoral site for cold sores is on the roof of the mouth.
Canker sores/aphthous ulcers only occur on the movable gum tissue, called the unattached gingiva, the inside of cheeks and the tongue. Your dentist is able, with one quick look, to tell you whether you’re dealing with a canker sore or a cold sore.
Since we do not know the exact cause, it is impossible to always prevent canker sores. However, you can reduce your risk of them by addressing the common predisposing risk factors.
If you already have a canker sore and need help with the discomfort, following these instructions will help address the pain.
The following food and drink items will aggravate the pain of a canker sore, so you should avoid them.
Many toothpastes and mouthrinses contain harsh chemicals that will hurt when they contact the ulcer. Make sure you use a mild, non-whitening toothpaste. If possible, buy one that is SLS-free. (SLS is sodium lauryl sulfate and a harsh detergent found in most toothpastes to create the foaming action. Biotene brand is readily available and does not contain SLS.)
When selecting a mouthwash, only use ones that are alcohol-free. Alcohol not only burns; it also has a drying effect on the oral tissues, which can lead to more cheek-biting and trauma.
Do Try:
When you have a painful mouth sore, there are some steps you can take to alleviate the pain and promote healing.
Call your nearest Premier Dental of Ohio location today to schedule a visit with one of our experienced dentists. Canker sores are painful, and the large ones require medical attention.