At some point, almost everyone has had a nasty, annoying little canker sore in their mouth. However, most people have no idea what causes them, how to get rid of them, or how to prevent them in the future.
By definition, canker sores are shallow, painful sores in the mouth. They are usually red, or may sometimes have a white coating over them.
You might get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. They are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.
Canker sores are also called aphthous ulcers, in more formal medical terms. Anyone can get them, but women and people in their teens and twenties get them more often.
These nasty little sores may run in families, but they are not very contagious. Doctors do not know exactly what causes them.
Mouth injuries, stress, poor nutrition, food allergies, and menstrual periods are some of the things that may increase your chances of getting one or an outbreak of multiple bumps. Often if you have a toothbrush who's bristles are too hard, or if you brush carelessly, these pockets of pain can be created.
The most softly and carefully you brush, the less likely you are to have a problem. If you notice that your toothbrush is causing problems, try getting one with softer bristles, and make sure you are moving your brush in small circles, moving away from the gums.
Unfortunately, there is no all inclusive permanent cure for canker sores, but they usually go away on their own in seven to ten days. For pain relief, you can try taking ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol).
A number of over-the-counter medicines are available to relieve pain or to protect the sores from becoming irritated when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if one of these products might be right for you.
For the most part, you can keep doctors out of the equation. However, there is a point when you might need to seek more help.
If they become very large, last longer than two weeks, or are so sore that you can't eat or drink, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. He or she may prescribe a topical medicine (applied directly to the problem area) or a special mouthwash to help.
You should also make an appointment with your doctor if you have a fever or feel sick when you have an outbreak. Tell your doctor if you have ulcers more than three times a year.
If you are prescribed a medication, you may be instructed to "swish and swallow" or "swish and spit" the medicine. This means that you swish the medicine around in your mouth, especially around your ulcer outbreak, for a few minutes before swallowing or spitting it out.
If you use a medicine that needs to be put directly on the spot, dry the sore with a cotton swab (like a Q-tip). Next, put a small amount of medicine on another cotton swab.
Then, put the medicine on your spot using the swab. Don't eat or drink for thirty minutes.
If you do, the medicine will be washed away. Unfortunately, doctors do not know of anything that prevents these painful spots from forming.
However, you may be able to reduce mouth irritation by avoiding things like chewing gum, and hard, crunchy or spicy foods. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush after meals and flossing every day will keep your mouth free of food that might trigger an outbreak.
If you get spots often, or if they're very painful, talk to your family doctor. For the most part though, they are just an unfortunate part of life that will go away in a short amount of time.
There are different home remedies that you can try to quicken the healing process, such as gargle with salt, or other special herbs. Try to avoid any spicy foods, as this will aggravate them.
The more you care for your mouth in the proper way, the fewer problems you will have. Talk to your dentist today about the best ways to care for your mouth.
Author Resource:-
Jack Landry is a formal dental hygienist and has authored hundreds of articles relating to dental practice and procedures, and recommends this Implant Dentist in Bakersfield, CA.
Contact Info:
Jack R. Landry
JackRLandry@gmail.com
http://www. bakersfieldsmiledesign.com
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