Canker Sores Guide: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What are canker sores?

Canker sores are small ulcers that form on the inner side of the lips and cheeks. Canker sores can be quite painful. Eating and even talking might also become difficult. While in majority of cases canker sores disappear after a few days, in few cases it might persists for weeks. You need help in case of painful large canker sores or if they persist for long.

What causes canker sores?

There are no specifically identified factors for canker sores.

• Patients with acidity or gastro-esophageal reflux frequently complain of canker sores.
• People with deficiency of Vitamin C complex, particularly folic acid and B12 also have canker sores frequently.
• Food allergies also present as canker sores in the mouth.
• Consumption of certain medications particularly antibiotics is also related to the occurrence of canker sores.
• Canker sores are also present in people with a stressful lifestyle and also in high anxiety patients.
• Complex canker sores are sometimes seen in patients with immune system diseases such as AIDS, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Treatment of Canker sores

There is no need to panic if you have presence of canker sores in your mouth.  There are a number of over the counter gels available for local application. They contain a numbing agent and an antibacterial medication. Apply them locally on the ulcer 3-4 times a day. Steroid containing mouth gels are also helpful for long standing cases.

Canker sores due to acidity may benefit from rinsing with warm salt water or milk of magnesia or even aloe vera juice.

For antibiotic related sores use of probiotics are highly beneficial.

When to seek professional help

Most canker sores are just a minor annoyance that will eventually heal on their own. With the above mentioned remedies.

However, sores persisting for weeks and/or accompanied by fever, severe pain or if multiple painful sores are present, you need professional help.

For long standing ulcers, laser treatment on the ulcers is highly useful.

Have questions about canker sore prevention or treatment?

Contact us for a consultation.