dental care
What is a canker sore?
BY DR. CHRISTINA M. LAWRENCE
A
n aphthous ulcer is commonly called a canker
sore. This is a type of open ovoid or round sore
inside the mouth or upper throat characterized by
a break in the mucous membrane. The aphthous
ulcer may appear like a clearly defined blister with a white
or yellow coating visible surrounded by a raised margin
that will have a red halo. These are typically painful sores
which can cause discomfort while eating, swallowing and
speaking. Lymph nodes in the surrounding area may be
swollen and tender to the touch and teeth may be painful.
Symptoms of the ulceration may last up to fourteen days.
Maintenance of proper oral hygiene is imperative to prevent infection of the oral
ulceration.
Canker sores are very common oral lesions. Studies demonstrate the rate of frequency
between 15-30% of the population suffers from aphthous ulcerations. Aphthous
ulcers affect people of any age or gender although they are reported more frequently
by females. The most common site for ulceration is the lining of the cheeks, lips,
palate and undersurface of the tongue. Aphthous ulcers can be triggered by trauma,
emotional stress, lack of certain vitamins, such as B12 or folic acid or iron, hormonal
changes, xerostomia or food allergies. Celiac disease has been suggested as a source of
mouth ulcerations in those sensitive to gluten.
Severe aphthous ulcerations
involving multiple sites
and diameter greater than
10 mm can be treated
with steroids or medicated
antimicrobial mouthwashes prescribed by a dentist. A large and painful ulceration can
also be treated with a laser to cauterize the outer layer of the ulceration and reduce
pain and speed healing.
Aphthous ulcerations typically do not last longer than 2 weeks, however if an
ulceration lasts longer than this then a dentist should be consulted to rule out a more
serious condition. Frequent recurrence of aphthous ulcerations should be discussed
with a dentist of general physician to rule out the presence of a systemic source of
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.
Dr. Christina M. Lawrence
Approximately 20% of the population, predominantly women, is afflicted with
recurrent ulcerations occurring more than four times per year. The condition is called
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis. There is no known cause but there appears to be a
genetic propensity.
Physical trauma, such as tooth brush abrasion, hard food abrasion, braces or accidental
biting of the tissue is the most common cause of aphthous ulcerations. Chemical and
thermal injury is another source of trauma. Xerostomia or dryness of the oral tissue
predisposes the tissue for ulcerations.
Time is the best healer of aphthous ulcerations and most often no treatment is
needed. Avoidance of spicy foods and alcohol containing mouth rinses can alleviate
discomfort associated with the ulceration. When pain of discomfort becomes
intolerable then treatment of ulcerations is supportive and palliative only.
At home remedies include warm salt water rinses multiple times daily or application of
a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water using cotton tipped applicator directly to
the ulceration. Another at home remedy is the application of Milk of Magnesia to the
ulceration up to four times daily to soothe the ulceration. Pharmaceutical pain relief
can be found from multiple over the counter analgesics like Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
or Aspirin or Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen).
A homeopathic treatment is the placement of Tea Tree Oil to the ulcerations. Tea Tree
oil can be found at many drugstores. Cotton tipped applicator dipped into the tea tree
oil and held onto the ulceration for one minute can aid in healing. Care must be made
to avoid swallowing the oil.
YOUR MOUTH IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR OVERALL HEALTH.
It is also the most useful part of your body: it is used to eat,
it is used to speak and it is used to breathe.
You have a lifelong need for ideal dental health.
We are passionate about your health and take pride in
providing only the best care.
Please visit www.cmlawrencedmd.com for more information and to learn about
my dental office. Come meet my staff and me and let us check out your smile.
LehighWomen.com
Personalized Dental Care for You and Your Family
Preventive Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Cerec Single Visit Crowns
Implants
Invisalign
Periodontal Treatment
Root Canals
Credit Cards and Financing Available
Dr. Christina M. Lawrence
4132 W. Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA 18104
610-395-4400
www.cmlawrencedmd.com
June/July 2015
7