Cankers are an irritating sore usually in the form of a white or gray sore with a red border. Hines Dentistry wants to give you a better knowledge surrounding this annoying, small ulcer as well as ways to prevent and treat them, so you can get back to eating and drinking.
There are two types of canker sores; simple canker sores, typically occurring between 10 and 20 years old, may appear three or four times a year and last about a week; and complex canker sores, occurring more in people who previously had them, which are much less common.
The root of most canker sores is unknown, but there are some possibilities to why they occur. A dental appliance or sharp tooth surface (braces or dentures) might trigger sores as well as citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables. Bacteria, viruses, or some immune system problems are thought to be a factor for complex canker sores. Stress or injury to the tissue may make a canker sore worse or trigger one to appear.
Irritating foods, including acidic or spicy, are useful to avoid. Chewing gum is another irritation that may occurs. Make sure to floss daily and brush after meals to help free your mouth of foods that can activate a sore. Momentary relief may be provided by over-the-counter anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthwashes. The best option for you can be discussed with your dentist and which one will stop sores from growing.
If you experience unusually large sores, sores lasting more than three weeks, spreading sores, difficulty swallowing, a high fever, or elevated pain, call 704-366-3526 here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hines Dentistry will attend to your dental needs and ease your discomfort.