Canker Sores: Causes & Treatments

Aphthous ulceration is a condition that causes small painful ulcers in the mouth, commonly known as canker sores. Canker sores usually appear on the lips, cheeks, or tongue. They affect about 20% of the population, and are more common in children and teenagers.

These usually occur between the ages of 10 and 40, have a recurrent nature, and the frequency of the recurrence of canker sores is varying considerably. Some people only have one or two episodes per year, while others have a continuous series of canker sores.

The diagnosis is usually based on the examination of the oral cavity. Sometimes the doctor may require some tests, such as blood tests, bacteriological examination, or ulceration biopsy.

Canker Sores: Statistics

The period of remission between appearing may be days, weeks, months, or years.

Canker sores will appear more and more rarely in adulthood, the frequency decreasing significantly after 40 years. These are more common among women than men.

There are also the most common forms of ulceration in the oral cavity, at least 1 out of 5 people developing canker sores at a certain stage of life.

Canker Sores: Causes

The exact cause of canker sores is not known. However, there are many factors that favor the emergence of this condition, such as:

l  a poor immune system

l  stress

l  unbalanced eating diet

l  smoking

l  certain medications

l  various traumas in the mouth

l  various bacteria or fungus

Other possible causes for oral canker sores include autoimmune diseases, menstrual periods, and pregnancy.

Canker sores: Symptoms

Ulceration begins as a small, red and sensitive swelling that gives a burning sensation for at least one day. The canker sores are covered with a yellow or white membrane, bounded by a red halo.

Generally, the canker sores heal in two weeks without any treatment and without leaving any scars.

Canker sore: Treatment

The treatment of the canker sores is largely represented by the relief of symptoms.

There are no therapies that prevent the appearance or recurrence. The treatment may consist of rinses with light antiseptic solutions, applying trichloracetic acid solution on the vesicles, and antibiotic gels or creams applications.

It has been proven that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is also effective in the treatment of canker sores. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a small glass of water and steer until the baking soda is completely dissolved in the water. Take a sip of this mixture and hold it in your mouth on the affected area. Then spit and repeat the procedure.

Canker sores: Prevention

Avoid spicy food and excessively cold or hot foods that can cause new irritations. You should also remove local irritating factors.

Canker sores can also be prevented by proper oral hygiene, going for regular check-ups at your dentist, adopting a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol abuse, cutting off carbonated drinks, and avoiding very hot or very cold foods.

Also, dental brushing twice a day (in the morning and evening), with a special toothpaste, a proper teeth brush, and the use of mouthwash and dental floss, helps maintain dental health and oral cavity's health, so it will diminish the risk of canker sores occurrence.