Canker sore is a type of painful and open mouth ulcer, which is considered the most common type of mouth ulcer. Canker sores may appear on the lips or cheeks. They are usually white or yellow and surrounded by red, inflamed tissue. According to the information published in Healthline websiteSymptoms of canker sores include the following:
- A white or yellow oval sore in the mouth
- The presence of a painful area inside the mouth
- Tingling sensation in the mouth
In some cases, the following symptoms can also be present:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- feeling unwell
Oral thrush is not contagious. They usually heal within one to three weeks without treatment, although the pain often subsides within seven to 10 days. Severe infections may take up to six weeks to heal.
How to treat canker sores
Canker sores usually get better without treatment. However, there are helpful lifestyle changes that can help treat canker sores. For example, you should brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent bacterial infection and avoid spicy foods to speed up the healing process. The pain can sometimes be severe. You can ease this discomfort by gargling with mouthwash or salt water. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but this procedure can help reduce pain. Some over-the-counter topical products such as benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide, and fluocinonide can help soothe and heal sores. In order to treat canker sores, a doctor or dentist may prescribe the following:
- Antimicrobial mouthwash, such as Listerine or mouthwash containing chlorhexidine
- Antibiotics such as mouthwashes or tablets containing doxycycline
- Corticosteroid ointments, such as hydrocortisone hemisuccinate or beclomethasone
- Prescription mouthwash, especially mouthwash containing dexamethasone or lidocaine to relieve inflammation and pain
Types and symptoms of canker sores
Symptoms of canker sores can vary depending on the type.
Canker sores are the most common type of canker sores. Although they may be painful, they usually heal on their own within a week or two, leaving no scars. Some of the most common symptoms associated with mild pests include:
- Small egg-shaped bumps inside the mouth
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Pain when eating, drinking or talking
Large pests are less common than small pests and can cause more severe symptoms. They may take up to four weeks to heal and may leave a scar on the mucous membrane. The symptoms of major pests are:
- Large and round bumps inside the mouth
- Burning, tingling and inflammation
- Severe pain
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking
Herpetic plagues
Herpetiform or herpetic plagues are very rare. Among people who suffer from mouth ulcers, only about 5% are affected by this type. In rare cases, they can merge and form clusters. In this case, it may take several weeks to heal and the risk of scarring may increase. Some of the possible symptoms of cold sores are:
- Very small bumps inside the mouth that can be clustered
- Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth
- Pain, which may be worse when chewing, drinking or talking
Home remedies for mouth sores
Applying ice or a small amount of magnesium syrup (magnesium milk) on the wounds can help relieve and heal. Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (one teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of water) can also help reduce pain and healing. It has been shown that honey is effective in the treatment of cold sores.
Causes and risk factors
If you have a family history, the risk of mouth ulcers increases. Canker sores have various causes, and the most common causes of canker sores are:
- Viral infection
- Stress
- Hormonal fluctuations
- food allergy
- Menstrual cycle
- Vitamin or mineral deficiency
- Immune system problem
- Mouth injury
Physical damage to the gums, tongue, or other soft tissues inside the mouth is one of the common causes of mouth sores, which may occur for various reasons, including brushing too hard (or using a too hard toothbrush), biting inside the mouth, or friction and wear caused by orthodontic appliances. slow