Canker Sore - Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
Posted on 4/12/2021 by Cole Anderson, DMD, MS |
 Have you ever felt shallow sores in your mouth while eating or drinking? If yes, you're probably dealing with canker sores, one of the most common oral issues people face between the ages of 10 and 20. You can get them on or under your tongue, on the inside of your cheeks, and all the parts of your mouth that can move, including the lips.
At Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Cole Anderson and can help you prevent canker sores if you regularly visit for cleanups and dental exams.
What is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore or an aphthous ulcer is a small, shallow lesion that forms on your mouth's soft tissues or at the base of your gums. Usually, they don't occur on the lips' surface and they aren't contagious. However, they're extremely painful and can make eating and talking difficult, depending on their location and development.
Canker Sore Symptoms
Most canker sores are round and have a yellow or white center. You might notice a burning sensation in your mouth a day or two before the sores appear. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.
Canker Sore Causes
There are two main categories of canker sores – minor and major. Things that usually cause minor sores include stress, injury, citrus fruits and vegetables, and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. In contrast, complex canker sores are usually a sign of underlying health conditions, such as a weakened immune system, HIV/AIDs, lupus, nutritional problems, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Canker Cause Prevention
Canker sores can occur and recur anytime, but you can reduce their frequency by watching what you eat. Try to avoid foods that irritate your mouth like nuts, chips, spices, salty foods, and acidic fruits. Instead, choose healthy foods like vegetables and whole grains to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Lastly, follow good oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing and flossing to keep your mouth clean at all times.
If you have large or painful canker sores that don't seem to heal, we recommend visiting Dr. Cole Anderson and at Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery for a timely removal. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (208) 343-0909 today.
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