Finding Relief: How to Get Rid of Canker Sores with Ease
Aug 08, 2023
Uncovering the Causes of Canker Sores
Canker sores are tiny, painful sores that develop inside the mouth, specifically on the soft tissues like the gums, roof of the mouth, under the tongue, lips, or inner cheeks. These sores are often shallow, usually with a round or oval shape with a white or yellowish center and a red border. Although canker sores are a common oral health condition, they can be mistaken for other illnesses, especially since they vary in size.
According to many dentists near you, the specific cause of canker sores has yet to be fully understood. However, dental experts believe that it is triggered by various factors, including:
- Accidental biting, aggressive brushing, or other oral injuries
- Spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods
- Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or menstruation
- Stress and emotional factors like anxiety can weaken the immune system.
- Nutritional deficiencies – an insufficient or lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, zinc, or iron, may contribute to canker sores.
Differentiating Canker Sores from Other Mouth Sores
Many people easily mistake canker sores for mouth lacerations, including cancerous sores, gum disease, oral thrush, and cold sores. Without the intervention of a dentist, you may not quite know the difference. However, canker sores stand out in the following ways:
- They are not contagious
- They do not appear anywhere outside the mouth
- They are hardly if ever, accompanied by other symptoms like fever
- They are shallow
- Your mouth is not numb – instead, canker sores are painful, especially when you eat.
- They are not fluid-filled as fever blisters
- They are usually round or oval-shaped, with a white or yellowish center and a red border.
How to Treat Canker Sores Fast?
While canker sores generally heal without professional medical intervention within one to two weeks, there are several measures you can take to alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing. Usually, the stakes are higher if your canker sores persist for more than two weeks, worsen in severity, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Usually, the dentist in Calgary, SW, will recommend a few treatment approaches that suit your mouth sires. However, this comes after diagnosing your mouth to ascertain you have canker sores and not other oral conditions like gum disease or mouth cancer.
Treatment Options
Some treatment options for fast pain relief are:
- Over-the-counter ointments or gels containing benzocaine or numbing agents
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Dietary changes or restrictions to minimize irritation
- Laser treatment – for severe cases, our dental team at My Dental Clinic recommends laser treatment to seal nerve endings, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process.
- Preventive measures – your dentist can sometimes recommend preventive strategies and home remedies to manage your sores as they heal.
Home Remedies That Can Get Rid of Canker Sores
Part of how to get rid of a canker sore fast entails mastering home remedies, usually before you visit a dentist near you for further treatment. Some home remedies to consider are:
- Use gentle motions to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush after meals and before bed. Use mild toothpaste and avoid irritating the area around the canker sore.
- Mix a pinch of salt in a portion of warm water and rinse your mouth with the saltwater several times a day. It helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing.
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses or oral solutions can help lower the risk of bacterial infection and promote healing. Look for products that contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or a combination of essential oils.
- Avoid triggering foods, such as spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods. They irritate the canker sore and prolong healing.
- Avoid biting, chewing, or picking at the canker sore. It further irritates the area and delays healing. Be extra cautious when eating or brushing your teeth.
- Drink a lot of water to maintain excellent oral hygiene and prevent dryness, which may exacerbate canker sore symptoms.
- Manage stress and anxiety, which weakens the immune system and potentially triggers canker sores. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation.