Canker sore is a kind of mouth ulcer and can be caused by a variety of reasons. It is also called aphthous ulcer or aphthae. It generally develops with the irritation caused by the damaged mucosa inside mouth and appears like colored, oval wounds. There can be many reasons for the problems of lips and mouth; however, the most important factors are poor immune system, vitamin and mineral deficiency, hormonal factors during puberty and celiac disease. Canker sores generally occurs as a result of a wound inside the mouth caused by biting the cheeks or a blow to the mouth but it is not a contagious disease. Aphthae are especially frequent in puberty and more common in women. Today aphthae can be effectively treated and prescribed ointments and other effective drugs are used.
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Canker sores are surrounded by white, yellow or red-colored inflammatory soft tissue and generally heal on their own within 7 to 10 days. However, serious canker sore may require up to 6 weeks to heal.
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The cause for mouth sores and aphthae worsening due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies are generally B3, B9 and B12 vitamin deficiencies. People with canker sore history in their families can be more vulnerable against it. In some cases, physicians may not be able to pinpoint the cause of canker sores.
Some fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, tomato, strawberry, apple, fig, lemon and orange, may exacerbate aphthae wound and pain. Having sharp edges inside the mouth due to implants such as dental plate and dental braces are among the factors that can worsen aphthous ulcers and pain.
Canker sores and oral wounds
Bacterial infections causing aphthae may lead to complications in case of serious progression. In such cases or for recurrent and difficult-to-heal canker sores, a doctor must be consulted. You must see a doctor before the disease persists over a few weeks and must follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Although patients can confuse throat sores and canker sores, these two diseases are completely different. While throat sores caused by cold weather is highly contagious, canker sores are completely non-contagious. Throat sores are caused by a virus called “herpes simplex” and the virus is carried inside the body during the course of the disease. Patients may be exposed to the risk of sores in the lips, nose and eyes.
As HIV can be a reason for canker sore, doctors must also consider this possibility. Especially if there is major aphthae, doctors should refer to HIV test. If there is bleeding in your or gingival, your teeth are loose. If you are having problems with swallowing and suffering from ear pain, there is a possibility of mouth cancer. Therefore, we highly recommend you to seek medical advice immediately in case you encounter these problems.
Your doctor may perform biopsy for relevant region inside of mouth for definitive diagnosis. Blood tests can also be used for this since biopsy could be necessary in case of suspected vitamin and mineral deficiency, hormonal disorder, virus, poor immune system.
Canker sore generally heal on their own without requiring treatment. However, your doctor may use different methods and drugs to let you get rid off these wounds quickly. For this you must brush your teeth regularly and make dental floss a habit. You should avoid spicy food, eat plenty of yoghurt and drink milk. You can alleviate the wounds inside your mouth.
In case of severe aphthous ulcer, you may have some pain relief by gargling with salt water. You can also relieve the pain by using the drugs and topical products recommended by your doctor.
Today, there are many effective drugs for the treatment of canker sores and other mouth ulcers. Some drugs prescribed by the doctor for aphthae treatment are as follows:
Your doctor may prefer one of many methods for aphtha treatment. The method of choice depends on the progression level of the disease. Most common methods used for canker sores treatment are listed below:
You must cease the consumption of spicy food you may have been eating in order to prevent and stop the formation of aphtha ulcers. In addition to spicy food, you should also avoid salty and acidic food and beverages. If the reason of aphtha is stress, or your doctor diagnosed a stress-related cause, you may enroll to a course to learn calming methods like meditation, deep-breathing etc.
You can use a soft toothbrush to prevent your gingival and inflamed tissues from further irritation. You must consult your doctor to diagnose whether you have any vitamin and mineral deficiency. If vitamin and mineral deficiency is detected, you should do your best to follow nutrition plan given by your doctor.
Ask for medical advice if you encounter one of the following symptoms:
If you have severe pain that prevents you from eating and if the wounds inside your mouth are not healed within a few weeks, you must see a doctor. As aphthae ulcers may repeat, you need to apply some protective methods regularly in order to avoid having these wounds over and over again.
You can prepare helpful cures by using below medicinal plants at your home to accelerate the healing process of apthae. The best methods and medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables to fight off aphtae are listed below.
Your canker sores can heal quickly thanks to kiwi for its ability to enhance immune system. All you have to do is nothing but to eat plenty of kiwis during the day! Kiwi, fighting against aphthous ulcers, has been very helpful for many people suffering from aphthae. So have some kiwis and join the club!
Baking soda, that lets you make fluffy meals in the kitchen, is another helpful nutrient that fights against mouth ulcers Apply baking soda directly onto the wounds inside your mouth to make use of its miraculous effect.
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Or brush your teeth using baking soda. Last but no least, mix the baking soda with a little amount of water to make a paste and apply it directly on your wounds.
Yoghurt is one of the most popular methods for canker sore treatment for its ability to fight off bacteria and alleviate wounds. However, you should never add sugar to the yoghurt and only consume pure, flavorless and natural yoghurt. The wounds inside your mouth can heal faster.
Extract the juice of Aloe Vera, one of the most miraculous fruits mother nature has to offer, and wash your mouth with this juice.
You accelerate the healing process of aphthous ulcers by gargling with salt water. Add half teaspoon of salt to a glass of water. Wash your mouth several times a day with this mixture! For more:>>> Canker Sores
Resources and References:
1- Canker sores,2- Canker sores / aphthous ulcers,3- Mouth ulcers4- Canker sores (mouth ulcers): OverviewSHARE ARTICLE
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