It’s a mild spring day and you have plans to head down to Fenway Park to catch a Red Sox baseball game. On the morning that you’re supposed to leave, you notice an uncomfortable burning sensation inside your mouth and are left wondering what’s going on. Upon examining the problem, you discover a red sore inside your cheek. Your local dentist says this could very well be a canker sore and as you continue reading, he’ll explain what causes it and how it can be prevented and treated.
What is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore is a small ulcer that is found inside the mouth, usually along the cheeks, tongue or lips. It can cause discomfort when you talk, eat or drink, and is especially painful when saturated by acidic foods or drinks.
These painful sores can appear in both males and females and will typically arise between the ages of 10 and 20. Still, there are exceptions, as there have been reports of the bothersome growths in children as young as two years old.
What Causes Canker Sores?
The exact cause of canker sores is still unknown, but a link between eating a diet high in acidic foods like lemons, oranges, pineapples and other citrus fruits has been discovered. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations and family genetics can contribute to the development of these ulcers.
The following activities can also contribute to developing canker sores and should be avoided or limited:
- Eating a diet high in processed sugars
- Wearing ill-fitting dentures
- Eating a diet that lacks vitamin B-12 (found in foods like eggs, dairy products and seafood)
How Can They be Treated?
Here are a few ways to treat canker sores:
- Rinses – A hydrogen peroxide or salt-water solution can be used to rinse the mouth to lower the pH level.
- Numbing Agents – You can consider the purchase of a numbing agent like Orajel to help provide some pain relief.
- Protective Pastes – You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water to aid in reducing the acidity in your mouth.
If the issue persists, you should contact your local dentist so that he can examine you and assess your gum health. If the situation warrants it, he has methods to correct your problem that aren’t available over-the-counter like a prescription special mouthwash or using a soft tissue laser.
It’s also a good idea to maintain regular preventive care visits with him, because they provide you with a better chance to prevent problems like this from happening.
To get the relief you need, feel free to reach out today.
About the Author
Since earning his DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Dr. Karl Arakelian has attended over a thousand hours of advanced training because he is passionate about delivering the absolute best care to his patients. You can find him practicing in a state-of-the-art facility where comfort abounds, and patients leave with smiling faces. To learn more about Dr. Arakelian, you can visit his website.
