If you have ever had canker sores in Oshawa, you will know how much these small ulcers can impact everyday life. Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, can develop inside your cheeks, lips, gums and tongue. They can make eating uncomfortable and speaking trickier.
It is important to note that canker sores are not cold sores. They are not contagious and develop inside your mouth, whereas cold sores develop on the outside of the mouth, often on the lips and are very contagious. However, that might be little comfort during an outbreak.
Having canker sores in Ajax can be a miserable experience! Even though canker sores are common, little is known about why they affect some people and what causes them. However, we know a bit about what can trigger painful canker sores, which can help you avoid them.
Below are some of the factors why canker sores may develop.
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Poor diet
- Food sensitivities
- Minor injuries inside your mouth
- Dental care products containing sodium laurel sulphate
- An allergy to specific bacteria inside the mouth
- The presence of Helicobacter pylori, which also causes peptic ulcers
Certain factors like food sensitivities can be addressed fairly easily, especially if you can identify foods that trigger an outbreak. These include anything very spicy, chocolate, chips or pretzels that can irritate the inside of your mouth. If your diet lacks folic acid, iron, zinc or vitamin B12, add more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and cut back on unhealthy foods.
Minor injuries to the inside of the mouth can occur because of a sporting injury or if you clench and grind. You may cut your cheek on a sharp bracket or wire if you wear braces. These are all situations where Margolian Dentistry can help. We can provide custom-made sports mouthguards in Whitby, providing maximum protection while you enjoy your chosen sport and which are comfortable to wear. If you clench and grind, a condition called bruxism, we can help identify the reason and provide suitable dental care to remedy this situation, protect your teeth, gums and jaw joints, and prevent you from biting the inside of your cheeks in future.
Many dental products contain sodium laurel sulphate, an additive that makes toothpaste foam when you brush. Some people are sensitive to this additive and may benefit from choosing a product that doesn’t contain it. Also, some people might be brushing their teeth too vigorously, increasing the risk of canker sores. You don’t need to brush your teeth very hard, and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them gently yet thoroughly is better. Again, this is another area where our experienced and friendly dental team can help. We can advise you on suitable dental products, including the best toothbrush to try.
Some people with certain diseases or health conditions are more prone to canker sores, including those with celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or IBS. Conditions that suppress the immune system, like HIV AIDS, can increase the risk of canker sores. Some people have a faulty immune system where instead of harmful viruses and bacteria being attacked, the body attacks healthy cells in the mouth.
What to Do If You Develop Canker Sores?
If you do have canker sores, then treatment is usually unnecessary. However, if your canker sores are particularly large or last longer than a week or two, contact us for help and advice. It is possible to prescribe a special mouth rinse. Other prescription and over-the-counter products can help speed up healing and relieve pain.
