Canker sores or aphthous ulcers are one of the most common types of oral conditions that affect men, women and children all over the world quite frequently. These sores appear inside the mouth, under the tongue, or at the base of the gums. Although these sores are quite painful and cause a lot of irritation, they do not pose any danger and usually go away on their own. However, to ease pain and irritation dentists prescribe some topical gels to be applied two or three times a day. Canker sores are not contagious and the actual cause of these sores cannot be known.
Nevertheless, there are some factors that may contribute to the formation of canker sores and to prevent them some measures can be taken accordingly. Bad eating habits and improper oral hygiene may cause these sores and therefore brushing teeth twice a day and before going to bed can help prevent these ulcers. It has also been found that foods that cause allergies can also serve to be a cause of canker sores, such as some acidic fruits and chocolates. Foods that contain too much sugar may also cause painful sores if the residue is not properly removed through proper brushing and flossing.
In addition to these, stress, depression and trauma have also been found to be linked with canker sores. People who take anti-depressant medicines and other drugs for the cure of these conditions are often found complaining about these sores. These mouth ulcers may also occur as a side effect of some strong medication. Moreover, deficiency of some vitamins and minerals can contribute to the development of these sores and therefore it is advisable to eat a well-balanced diet to prevent these ulcers. Some acids produced by the stomach or intestines may produce painful sores in the mouth.
Canker sores can be effectively treated at home without needing medical assistance. Rinsing the mouth with warm water with a little salt dissolved in it can help ease the pain and cure the ulcer. In addition to this, several medical treatments are also available, most of which comprise of over-the-counter drugs or topical ointments. Supplements containing folic acid, iron and vitamin B12 are also quite effective in preventing and curing canker sores. Steroid therapy is sometimes required but because of its side effects it is not usually recommended. Other effective drugs include colchicine, cimetidine, and thalidomide. Some of these are useful for the treatment of a severe case of canker sores.
Another helpful home remedy which can aid in easing the pain is application of ice over the affected area. Pain killers help to reduce irritation and pain during eating and speaking. Some people confuse mouth ulcers with intraoral herpes; however, these two conditions are entirely different. Herpes are infectious and often reappear in the same place and they take about two weeks to heal completely. Canker sores, on the other hand, heal depending on their severity and location. Proper oral hygiene, balanced diet and the use of fluoride rinse and mouth washes can help prevent these painful ulcers in the mouth.
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