Causes and Treatment of Canker Sores

Cankers are ulcers that occur in the mouth, often causing difficulty in the ability to eat or talk. They are identifiable by their shallow and tiny appearance. There are primarily 2 varieties of canker sores. The first type is referred to as simple canker sore. Simple canker sores are common among younger people, especially in the ages of 10 to 20. These sores appear around 3 to 4 times per year and tend to remain up to a week.

On the other hand, complex canker sores are relatively rarer and tend to affect people who may have previously experienced them.

Canker sores occur in the mouth, tongue, and on the soft palate (back portion of the roof of the mouth). They can be recognized by a burning or tingling sensation. They are generally round in shape and are white or gray in color. They also possess a red border or lining.

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Causes: The real cause of canker sores is yet to be determined. However, doctors and dentists have attributed the cause to be previous injury or stress for simple canker sores. Even food items that are acidic such as lemons, oranges, and certain vegetables may have a role to play in causing these sores. There have also been cases where canker sores have been triggered due to the use of certain dental appliances and even, sharp teeth.

Causes for complex canker sores have also been attributed to underlying medical conditions such as a weakened immune system, vitamin B-12 deficiency, nutritional issues, iron or folic acid deficiency, celiac disease and so on.

Treatment:  Though, canker sores tend to heal on their own, affected individuals are still advised to undergo treatment to avoid discomfort. Standard canker sore treatments include the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse, over-the-counter medication, corticosteroid ointment etc.

Need more information on the causes and treatment of canker sores? Contact Montefiore Department of Dentistry

For more information on causes and treatment of canker sores, contact Montefiore Department of Dentistry. We are located in New York and can be contacted at 888.700.6623. We look forward to hearing from you.