What is a canker sore?
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
© Copyright 2024