CANKER SORES/ MOUTH ULCERS: A SIMPLE EXPLAINATION BY VALUE SMILES

Canker Sores/ Mouth Ulcers

A Value Smiles Blog

Have you noticed a whitish yellow bump on the inside of your lip, on gums, or cheeks? Does it have a red halo surrounding it? It is painful and interfering with eating and drinking?

Well you probably have a canker sore. These lesions are clinically called Aphthous Ulcers. Patients mistake this with cold sores. The difference between the two occurs in cold sores being contagious and develops on the surface of the skin, unlike the soft tissue areas in canker sores.

Interesting Facts about Canker Sores

1. They are not caused by Virus
2. They are benign lesions(harmless or noncancerous)
3. They are non-contagious( doesn’t spread from person to person)
4. Occurs around the world but more common in developed countries.
5. Seen more in higher socioeconomic groups
6. Most of them develop for the first time before the individual hits their thirties.

How it happens?

The cause is not certain, however, there are conditions that may instigate or trigger the formation of these ulcers.

• Food allergies
• Hormonal changes pertaining to menstrual cycle
• Certain intake of drugs such as, ibuprofen or blood pressure medication (beta-blockers)
• Trauma to oral soft tissue- Sharp edges on teeth and appliances can contribute to this, if so please visit our office.
• Stress related anxiety
• Vitamin deficiencies (folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12)

Symptoms:

Canker sores come in two different forms. One that is larger than the other, 1.major and 2.minor sores. Generally, these ulcers can reoccur. Signals that you may need to monitor include:

Major canker sores: The ulcers are larger than 1cm, painful, and present for about 3-6 months. When the lesion heals, it leaves a scar.

Minor canker sores: In most cases, these lesions can be seen. They appear as oval, small 2-3 mm and contain a white center. They disappear without a scar in 3-14 days.

Another form known as “herpetiform,” mimics the herpes virus infection with similar ulcers, in clusters and last 7-10 days.

When to see our office:

• An ulcer reoccurs
• An ulcer becomes larger
• A lesion lasts longer than two weeks
• A high fever coinciding with the ulcer
• Unbearable pain not controlled by at home remedies

Treatment:

Canker sores can be tackled at home with salt water rinses, allergy medicine (Benadryl), or herbal liquids. Medical remedies include pain medications, iron and vitamin supplements, tetracycline suspensions, and corticosteroids.

If you have any concerns about a lesion anywhere in and around your mouth. Please visit our office so we can monitor the lesion and guide you in the right direction.

Please contact us at 770-489-9141 or visit us at WWW.MYVALUESMILES.COM for any further information. We have same day appointments in most situations. We accept most major dental insurances. We are conveniently located at 2635 Lee Road, Suite C4, Lithia Springs, GA-30122. We are in the Publix plaza at the intersection of Fairburn Road and Lee Road. Value Smiles provide Affordable Dental Care with Excellent Customer Service to patients in Lithia Springs, Douglasville, Austell, Mableton, Powder Springs and surrounding Georgia areas.