CANKER SORES

CANKER SORES

Canker sores are the painful small shallow sore or ulcer inside the mouth or at the base of the gums. Its also called as aphthous ulcer. It is the most common type of mouth ulcer. They appear as white or yellowish sore that is surrounded by red , inflamed soft tissues. 


TYPES OF CANKER SORES

There are three main types of canker sores :

1. Minor aphthous ulcer : This is the most common type of ulcer that occurs to almost 80% of sufferers. They are small in diameter are usually takes upto 1 week to heal.

2. Major aphthous ulcer : This is the severe form of aphthous ulcer and 15% people are the sufferers. These ulcers are painful and is  over 1 cm in diameter and takes about 2 weeks or more to heal up.

3. Herpetiform aphthous  ulcer : This occurs in less than 5 % of the population. They occur as clusters of small ulcers and sometimes merge together to form large ulcers. They usually heal in 1 week.


CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Canker sores have various causes , however , the exact cause is unknown. Stress is also thought to be the cause of canker sores. Acidic fruits and vegetables can also trigger the sore. Nutritional problems such as vitamin B 12 , zinc , iron deficiency and gastrointestinal disorder are also the causes for sores. The sharp tooth surface or dental appliance can also trigger the sores.


SYMPTOMS

1.  Burning sensation before the sore appears.
2. Painful
3. White or yellowish sore with red and inflamed borders.
4. Swollen lymph nodes
5.  Makes eating and talking uncomfortable


HOW TO DIAGNOSE ?

Your dentist will diagnose by examining it. They can also tell you for a blood test or biopsy if there is a severe breakout.


TREATMENT

Canker sores are usually self treatable. It heals up within 1 week. Pain can sometimes be severe . Gargling with mouthwash or salt water can lessen the discomfort . Your dentist may also prescribe you an antimicrobial mouthwash , antibiotic , corticosteroid ointment after examining your sore.
Brushing and flossing of teeth prevents bacterial infection. Spicy foods are avoided to reduce pain.
Consult your dentist if your sore hasn't healed within three weeks.



                            DR. ANJUSHA SHARDA

Comments

  1. Unknown29 September 2018 at 04:07

    Interesting I had this and I did not what it was called and now I know

    ReplyDelete

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