Canker sores are the most common oral cavity problems you can experience in your lifetime. Canker sores are also medically termed as apthous ulcers. These ulcers may vary in size, but they are usually round and white that can appear on the tongue, lips or anywhere else in the buccal or oral cavity. Before canker sores appear, an individual would feel a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth. It will soon develop into a red bump and later on form into a whitish to yellowish wound. Most canker sores are small bumps but in some cases, the sore could reach up to 1 inch in diameter. These sores can be very painful and would serve as an inconvenience especially when speaking and eating. Sometimes, an individual with canker sores would develop fever. Canker sores usually go away after a week or less.
Causes of Canker Sores
Below are the common causes as to why canker sores appear:
• Injury – An injury on the inside of the mouth or tongue such as caused by an accidental bite may soon develop into a canker sore.
• Stress – Stress can also cause canker sores to appear. When you are under a lot of pressure, canker sores can pop out in your mouth. Some cases show that children develop canker sores just before a big exam.
• Hormonal changes – Women are more prone to canker sores than men. When a woman nears her monthly menstruation, some would develop canker sores in their mouths.
• Irritation – Products with ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate the oral cavity and lead to a canker sore. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is often found as foaming agents in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Using these agents more often than necessary can cause irritation and would result to canker sores.
Treatment for Canker Sores
As aforementioned, canker sores usually go away on their own after some time. However, there are some things you can do in order to alleviate the pain and make it more bearable while the sore is still present:
• There are a number of over-the-counter drugs that could help lessen the sting brought about a canker sore. Ask the pharmacist about these drugs. These medicines usually contain carbamide peroxide that would help clean the sore, coats it and protect it from bacteria that might cause worsening. Other medicines that contain benzocaine, eucalyptol and menthol in them could also help. You should be prepared for the first application because it could sting, but after a few more applications, the medication will cause numbness and help hasten the healing period.
• You can also try this effective, homemade mouthwash. This mouthwash is made up of two ounces of hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water. Rinse the mouth with this mixture for at least four times a day. Another homemade mixture is a combination of four ounces of water with a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda. Gargle using the mixture for at least a minute and then spit out.
Canker sores are indeed an inconvenience and a cause of discomfort. Fortunately, it is not really a big risk to one’s health and there are ways in which the healing process could be hastened.
