You may have a very beautiful smile, but it can be difficult to feel like smiling if you are prone to canker sores, those annoying little sores that are far more painful than they should be. If you get them often, you may be wondering if they are something you should worry about – read on for more information about this irritating problem.
What Are Canker Sores?
Although they might seem similar, canker sores are actually very different from cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are very contagious. They appear on the lips or around the outside of the mouth and look like small blisters. Canker sores are those yellowish-white ulcers that form inside the mouth, and they are not contagious.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Canker sores can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease. They may also be caused by: an irritation in your mouth, such as braces rubbing up against your cheek; sensitivity to certain foods (eggs, coffee, chocolate, strawberries, nuts, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods seem to trigger canker sores); a reaction to sodium lauryl sulfate, found in mouth rinses and toothpaste; an allergy to bacteria in the mouth; a vitamin deficiency; hormones; or stress.
How Are Canker Sores Treated?
Most canker sores will go away on their own in about a week. There are over-the-counter ointments and liquids that you can apply to canker sores to numb them so that you can find some relief.
If you have a canker sore for over 2 weeks, if you have a very large canker sore, or if you are constantly getting canker sores, you should see your doctor. He or she will want to determine the underlying cause of the sores and might prescribe medication or a mouth rinse to help.
The staff at the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry wants you to have beautiful, healthy teeth, and no pain in your mouth! If you are having any issues with your oral health, contact the office in Houston, Texas. Call (713) 668-2289 for an appointment today!
