Conditions that affect the mouth are painful and also affect the way we eat. Canker sore is also a mouth ulcer that can appear at any age and to any gender.
Let’s get into its details.
What is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore is a small shallow lesion that can appear inside your mouth. It is also known as an aphthous ulcer which is a common type of mouth ulcer. Soft tissues inside the mouth become inflamed. Canker sores mostly appear on the cheeks or lips. They are white and yellow in color but surrounded by a red inflamed area. These are not contagious but may be painful.
Sometimes, you do not need to do anything as they can go away on their own. But if they last more than two weeks, see Dr. Sana Iqbal who is the best medicine specialist with years of experience in this field.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of the Canker Sores?
There are different types of canker sores that bring on different symptoms. Some other factors also contribute when it comes to their signs and symptoms, such as the location of the canker sores. They may appear on or under the tongue, inside lips, inside cheeks, on gums, etc.
Initially, you may experience some tingling or burning sensation in the affected area. But after one or two days, you may have more symptoms, like:
- Pain
- Difficult to talk
- Find it difficult to eat
What are the Types of Canker Sores?
The symptoms and signs indicate what type of canker sore you have, such as:
Minor Canker Sore
The most common type is a minor canker sore which appears as:
- Small
- Shaped like an oval with a red edge
- Do not leave a scar, and heal properly
Major Canker Sores
Major canker sores are not that common but appear:
- Deeper and larger in size
- Cause pain while eating or talking
- Round in shape with irregular edges
- Leave scars as they last longer than 6 weeks
Herpetiform Canker Sore
Older adults are more likely to develop these sores, and they appear like:
- Pinpoint size
- Do not leave any scars but heal properly
- Occur in clusters (10 to 100 sores)
How to Diagnose Canker Sores?
A visual exam can help identify a canker sore. But canker sores that are not going away may need some other health-related tests to identify if you have any underlying condition.
What are the Treatments for Canker Sores?
People who have minor canker sores do not need any such treatment. They can go on their own as it takes one or two weeks. When it becomes painful and affects your eating habits, make sure that you get help from the best doctors.
You can follow these treatments:
Topical Products
Some prescription products can help with these sores. They may include gel, creams, or pastes. These products can also help in relieving pain and promote the healing process.
Mouth Rinses
Having too many canker sores can be painful, but you can use mouth rinse solutions. They contain powerful ingredients that relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Oral Medicine
Doctors do not suggest oral medications until the topical treatments do not respond. You should not take any medicine on your own.
Cautery of Sores
In severe cases, cautery can help. During this process, an instrument is used to destroy the affected tissue.
What are the Home Remedies for Canker Sores?
Experts from Citi Hospital say that some effective home remedies and lifestyle changes can help bring positive results against canker sores, such as:
- Avoid eating spicy foods or a diet that is acidic in nature
- Use ice to reduce the appearance of canker sores
- Do not brush your teeth harshly but be gentle
- Rinse your mouth with a solution made up of warm water and baking soda (1 tsp. baking soda and half a cup of warm water)
Talk to the experts and share all about the symptoms and medicines you take!