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All About Canker Sores

 

Canker Sores

The terms "canker sores" and "cold sores" are often used interchangeably. While both are painful sores of the mouth, there's a difference. Canker sores are found on the inside of the mouth and are not contagious; however, cold sores can be found on both the inside and outside of the mouth and are contagious.


Canker Sore Producing Foods to Avoid

apples
milk
soy
barley
nuts
tomatoes
buckwheat
oranges
vinegar
cheese
pineapples
 whole wheat
chocolate
rye
lemon 
shellfish

Watch What You Eat

Studies show that what we eat may play a large role in determining whether we get canker sores. Consumption of the following foods can lead to canker sores; avoiding them may help to reduce the number of sores you get.

In particular, citric fruits and chocolate seem to be common triggers for canker sores. We've noted that many patients relate experiencing canker sores soon after consuming citric fruits or juices. It's a good idea to keep a log of what foods you consumed leading up to getting a canker sore; hopefully, it will help you identify contributing foods.

Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are preventive measures for reducing the frequency of outbreaks.


 
Women in the 20-to-50 year age group tend to get them more often. Approximately 1 in 5 people suffer periodic canker sore outbreaks.




Check Your Toothpaste

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient present in many brands of toothpaste may cause canker sores in some people. Check your toothpaste, you might want to switch over to an SLS free brand.


Stress Can Lead to Canker Sores

  • Emotional stress
  • Physical stress - such as biting your tongue, burning your mouth, or getting a cut from your braces
  • Chemical stress - as from an illness or change in eating habits (consuming acidic foods such as grapefruits or lemons).

Treatment

Canker sores usually resolve without treatment in 7 to 10 days, although some can be longer-lasting. Antimicrobial mouthrinses may lessen the irritation. Temporary relief can also be provided by over-the-counter topical anesthetics, though pain relief varies between products. Some medications provide a protective film that physically blocks contact with food and saliva, lessening their discomfort. Some of the more common treatments are detailed below.



Salt-Water Rinses


Though the effectively is questionable, salt water rinses have worked for some. Since it's virtually free, most find it worth a try. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Rinse for about approximately one minute and spit.


 We're out participating at educational conventions and seminars throughout the year and we'd like to use this blog as a dental resource for our community of Phoenix, AZ (and beyond). Of course, we welcome you to join the conversation. Suggest topics and ask those burning questions about dentistry that keep you up at night. Please feel free to contact me through the Morse Family Dental  website. Remember, the advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should always see your dentist. 

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Location: Careferee Hwy dentist, Phoenix, AZ 85085

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