When you experience a canker sore or a painful spot with a white center on your inner cheek, inner lip, tongue, or upper mouth, you’ll probably call your dentist right away to ensure your oral health is fine. Before calling your dentistry clinic for an emergency appointment, review the information below to understand what these sores are and when it’s time to seek care.

Understanding Canker Sores

What Causes Canker Sores?

In some cases, simply biting the inside of your cheek or eating food with sharp edges, like hard candy or chips, that scrape your mouth can trigger a painful sore. These spots can also be caused by oral situations like a chipped tooth irritating your gums or sensitivity to particular foods, such as chocolate, cheese, or spicy dishes. Other causes of canker sores include stress, a change in hormone levels, a nutrition deficiency, or increased levels of the bacteria, helicobacter pylori.

When Should You Seek Care?

Most canker sores, while uncomfortable, should heal on their own within a few days with proper oral hygiene and a warm saltwater rinse. If you have a sore that remains for over 10 days, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist to help determine the trigger and whether the sore is something more serious like oral cancer. You should also seek oral care if you’re experiencing difficulty swallowing, using your mouth and tongue, you see red or white patches on your tongue, or if the inside of your mouth appears to be lighter or darker in color.

How Can Your Dentist Help With Canker Sores?

If poor oral hygiene is the culprit of a canker sore, visit your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and follow a strict routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day. During a teeth cleaning appointment, your dentist can also evaluate your overall oral health and should the sores be a result of a chipped tooth, dental implants or other cosmetic procedures can alleviate your symptoms.

If you’re experiencing discomfort from a canker sore and would like to consult a dentist, contact the team of experts at Wheeler Family Dental. This practice treats patients of all ages and with quality dental services including teeth whitening, routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, and clear braces. Located in Chesterfield, MO, this practice welcomes patients from the cities of Chesterfield, St. Louis, Town & Country, Ballwin, Manchester, and Creve Coeur. Send a message online or call (314) 576-3737 to schedule an appointment.