Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers in the mouth. They are the most common type of mouth ulcers. Canker sores are not contagious but are painful and make talking and eating uncomfortable. They are either white or yellow, surrounded by red, inflamed tissue.
3D medical animation still showing Canker Sores
Symptoms
The symptoms of canker sores usually include a small yellow or white oval shaped ulcer in the mouth. A painful red area in the mouth and a tingling sensation in the mouth are common symptoms of canker sores. Swollen lymph nodes and fever are also signs of canker sores in some cases.
Causes
There are various causes of canker sores. The most common ones are viral infection, food allergy, hormonal fluctuation, stress, menstrual cycle, mouth injury, deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
They can also be related to immune system disorders and occur more often for those with a family history.
Treatment
Canker sores usually heal on their own in a week or two without any treatment. The frequency of canker sores can be reduced by certain lifestyle changes like reducing stress, eating a balanced, healthy diet and avoiding foods that cause allergic reaction or irritation in the mouth, or following good oral hygiene habits. Sometimes the pain from canker sores can be quite intense and mouth rinses with steroid dexamethasone are prescribed to reduce the intensity. Some topical products containing benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide and fluocinonide are also use in reducing the pain and inflammation. Nutritional supplements are also prescribed if consumption of important nutrients such as zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B 6 is very low.
Canker sores are usually painful and irritating, however, most of the times they heal on their own within a week.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
References:
- Dental Health and Canker Sores
- Painful Sensation? Could Be a Canker Sore
- Canker Sores (Causes, Home Remedies, Treatment, and Prevention)
- Canker sore
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