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If you’ve ever had a shallow, painful ulcer develop on the inside of your lips or mouth, you’ve experienced a canker sore. Although these are generally harmless and relatively common, there are certain circumstances in which the condition requires a trip to the dentist. The following guide offers some insight into this area of oral care, so you can stay healthy and comfortable.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are like small, shallow pimples that develop in the mouth. They may show up on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or inside the lips. There are two different types of canker sores a person may develop. The first kind are minor ulcers, which typically go away after a week or two. Major canker sores are bigger, deeper, more painful, and take longer to heal.

What Causes Canker Sores?

dentistCanker sores can occur for a wide variety of reasons. They may be the result of a highly acidic or salty diet. The sores may also develop if you accidentally bite or scrape the soft tissue in your mouth. Finally, you may get ulcers if you experience hormonal changes, such as going on or off of birth control or changing medications. 

How Should You Treat Canker Sores?

If you have minor canker sores, you can relieve the discomfort with a few at-home remedies. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers or medications to ease some of the tenderness while your sores heal. You can also use ice as a numbing agent. Finally, avoiding irritating foods, like spicy or acidic dishes, will minimize your symptoms.

However, if you are dealing with major canker sores, a trip to the dentist is crucial. To start, major ulcers can lead to scarring, so visiting a professional is advised to see what can be done to shorten the healing process and minimize the severity of the condition. Additionally, seeing a dentist is necessary to determine what you can do to avoid canker sores in the future and, more importantly, rule out serious causes, like cancer. 

 

If you’re struggling with repeat canker sores, talk to the dentists at Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. This family-friendly practice is known for offering safe, comfortable, state-of-the-art services to ensure optimum oral health for all their patients. Visit their website to learn more about how they will help you, and call (907) 272-8422 to schedule an exam. 

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