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How to Deal With Canker Sores

Canker sores are usually small white or yellow round sores inside the mouth that can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Fortunately, the normal ones tend to lessen in pain after only a few days and are gone within a week or two.

While not all of the causes of canker sores are known, there are things that are thought to trigger them or make them more likely to form. Irritation from sharp edges, acidic foods, vitamin deficiencies and certain diseases like celiac are all thought to contribute to frequent canker sores.

Cankers can cause a lot of pain, but they usually tone down after a couple of days and are healed within a week or two. The bigger ones can take longer to heal, so if you have a painful sore for longer than 3 weeks, contact our dentist immediately.

The small sores almost never need treatment, but the larger, longer lasting ones often do. Dental lasers are very effective for treating the pain, so ask Dr. Razan about that when you call. Other treatments are prescription and over-the-counter topical medicines, and steroid mouth rinses can reduce the pain and swelling and speed up the healing time.

Your daily habits can affect your chances of developing canker sores. To reduce your likelihood, follow these tips:

  1. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth after eating to remove irritating foods
  2. Avoid foods that can trigger sores, such as acidic fruits and veggies, abrasive or salty foods, and spicy foods. Everyone’s sensitivity is different, so learn what may trigger cankers for you.
  3. If you’ve got orthodontic appliances such as dentures or braces, ask our dentist about orthodontic wax to cover any irritating edges.
  4. Practice meditation to reduce your chance for stress-related cankers.

If you notice the following symptoms, contact Time Square Dental Group in Pasadena, Texas, immediately. Your canker may need our dentist’s treatment.

  • Large sores
  • Sores that last for 3 weeks or longer
  • A sore that is still unusually painful, even after applying medicine
  • A high fever associated with the cankers

If you have more questions about canker sores, please call us today at (832) 426.4433, and we’ll be happy to help you.