Canker Sore Elimination

Relieve the discomfort from canker sores!

What are canker sores?

Canker sores are benign injuries that do not usually cause major problems besides discomfort. However, some more serious diseases of the oral cavity can manifest with very similar ulcerated injuries, causing some confusion. Oral cancer, for instance, may resemble a canker sore on its early stages.

A canker sore is an ulcer that can arise anywhere within the oral cavity: tongue, lips, gum, throat, etc. They are oval, whiteish (sometimes yellowish), shallow and clean. This means they do not contain pus, bacteria, or any other signs of infection. They can be single or multiple, coming in various sizes.

Canker sores are not contagious, however, their causes are not completely clear. They seem to be caused by immune system imbalances. Some known triggers are:

Local traumas
Psychological stress.
Not enough sleep.
Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that causes gastric ulcers
Certain toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
Gastroesophageal reflux.
Meals such as chocolate, coffee, and sour drinks.
Tobacco use
Hormonal alterations during the menstrual cycle.
Deficiency of some vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, iron, and folic acid.
Drugs such as anti-inflammatories, Rapamycin, Methotrexate, Aspirin, and Atenolol.

Canker Sore Elimination

There is no miracle medicine for canker sores. There is really no substance that cures them from one day to the next. Since canker sores can last up to two weeks, the current treatments aim to accelerate the healing process of the injury.

It is important to distinguish ointments that contain anesthetics, which serve only for symptomatic relief. Ointments with corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories in their formula are the ones that can effectively accelerate the healing process.

However, you should know that visiting your dentist in Pasadena is always the best choice to determine both the cause of the canker sore and the best way to eliminate it.

If you would like to receive more information about canker sores and their treatment, please contact our Pasadena Dental Practice at (626) 577-2017.

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