Canker Sores – What Are They and How to Deal with Them?
A Healthy Mouth Means More Than Just a Bright Smile – It’s About Everyday Comfort
Canker sores in the mouth are one of the most common issues, even for people who maintain excellent oral hygiene. Although they’re not dangerous, they can be very troublesome, causing pain and discomfort. Find out exactly what canker sores are, what causes them, and how to effectively treat and prevent them.
What Is a Canker Sore?
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth. They most commonly appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, under the tongue, or on the palate. They take the form of round or oval lesions with a whitish or yellowish coating, surrounded by a red border. Although they are not contagious, their presence can be quite bothersome, especially when eating, drinking, or speaking. Symptoms such as burning, pain, or discomfort may persist for several weeks.
What Causes Canker Sores?
The causes of canker sores are not always clear-cut, as their appearance can result from various factors. They are often triggered by deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, folic acid, or zinc, whose lack weakens the mucous membrane of the mouth. Another factor is prolonged stress and its consequence — weakened immunity. In such cases, the body becomes more susceptible to inflammation and infections.
Minor mechanical injuries, such as biting the inside of the cheek, irritation from orthodontic appliances, or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard, can lead to painful ulcers. Food allergies — for example, to nuts, citrus fruits, spicy spices, or chocolate — are an additional aggravating factor. Exposure to any of these can contribute to the development of canker sores.
In some cases, canker sores may be a symptom of systemic diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or hormonal disorders. For some patients, the occurrence of canker sores is genetically determined.
How to Get Rid of a Canker Sore?
Treatment of canker sores depends on their severity and cause. Due to their troublesome nature, the focus is mainly on relieving pain and speeding up the healing process. In the case of minor lesions, home remedies may prove effective. Herbal infusions, such as sage or chamomile, have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. They can be used to rinse the mouth.
A saltwater rinse may cause some pain, but it helps inhibit bacterial growth, effectively speeding up the healing of canker sores and preventing them from spreading. As for pharmacy options, there are gels and liquids available that create a protective barrier over the sore and reduce discomfort. Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine can also be helpful, as they are antibacterial and promote healing without causing irritation. The topical use of milk of magnesia may additionally help relieve pain and protect the lesion from further irritation.
It’s also worth paying attention to dietary changes. During the period when a canker sore is present, it is recommended to avoid spicy and acidic foods, as consuming them can exacerbate the inflammation. Due to the pain they cause on damaged mucosa, avoiding such foods should not be difficult. If canker sores occur regularly or are very painful, it is worth consulting a dentist or specialist to rule out more serious health issues. However, the best way to fight canker sores is to prevent them from appearing in the first place.
Prevention of Canker Sores
Bonding is recommended in cases of minor aesthetic imperfections, such as discoloration, small mechanical damage, or the desire to improve tooth proportions. It is also effective as a method for closing a diastema. However, it is not recommended in the case of severe malocclusion, untreated cavities, gum disease, or bruxism, as these conditions may affect the durability of the treatment results. It is also worth ruling out allergies to the materials used during the procedure. Veneers are a better option for patients with more serious aesthetic concerns, as they are a more comprehensive and durable solution.
Impact of Bonding on Teeth and the Oral Cavity
The key to preventing canker sores is maintaining good oral hygiene. Regular use of a sonic toothbrush with soft bristles, appropriate oral care products, and cleaning between the teeth with an irrigator — these are the fundamental pillars of health.
A great idea would be to introduce foods rich in vitamins B12, C, iron, and zinc into your diet. This helps strengthen the immune system and replenish deficiencies. Proper hydration is also crucial. It’s important to avoid excessive stress and prevent the body from becoming overworked. Getting enough sleep, rest, physical activity, and fresh air are essential in this process. If you have your favorite relaxation techniques — don’t forget to use them!
Mechanical injuries should be avoided by brushing your teeth gently and ensuring that dentures or orthodontic appliances are properly fitted so as not to irritate the mucous membrane. Remember to use gentle yet effective solutions. Oral health affects the entire body — it’s worth taking care of it every day.