Share:

Have you ever bitten into something salty and flinched as the salt touches a wound in your mouth? You also may have worn braces and developed sores on your cheeks from the metal brackets. These internal wounds are canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers. Often, they appear as small red marks on your gums or cheeks, but sometimes they look fierce and raw. These sores can be extremely painful, and many have trouble identifying how to help the situation. Below is a guide on the symptoms of canker sores and when you should visit a dentist for help.

What Is a Canker Sore?

Canker sores are small, shallow wounds in your cheeks and frenum, which is the area of tissue you see when you pull your bottom or upper lip away. They can be painful and make it uncomfortable to talk, drink, and eat. At any one time, you may have just one or could have several. There are three types of canker sores.

Minor canker sores account for most ulcers. They frequently occur throughout the year and can be brought on by a number of reasons. If you feel run-down, sick, or lack essential vitamins and nutrients, you may be more prone to them. They’re less than one centimeter across and heal within a week, usually with no scarring.

Major canker cores are infrequent and account for a smaller portion of ulcers. It’s uncommon to have more than one or two a year. They’re large and last for at least two weeks. You may see some scarring once they heal. These sores can be brought on by allergies, stress, or environmental factors. 

Herpetiform canker sores are rare, accounting for an extremely small portion of ulcers. They appear as clusters of tiny ulcers but can merge into one large one. They usually heal in about a week but are extremely painful. These ulcers can be hereditary, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause.  

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?

dentistCanker sores appear as white or gray wounds inside your mouth, often with a red, inflamed area around the lesion. Before one appears, the area may tingle or feel tender. Severe canker sores can also cause fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Most canker sores heal themselves over time. However, consult a dentist if you experience sores that last three weeks or longer. Difficulty eating, drinking, or the appearance of a fever may be a cause for alarm. If your sores spread, are unusually large, or are extremely painful, consult a dentist. 

 

If a canker sore is affecting your daily life, consult a dentist at Nizich Family Dental in Juneau, AK. For over 12 years, the practice has been owned and run by local families. Whether you need routine dental care, wish to explore cosmetic dentistry, or have a dental emergency, you can trust the dedicated team to deliver quality, reliable services. They also offer useful advice on preventive dental care to keep your teeth and gums healthy between every visit. Call today to book an appointment at (907) 789-7001 or visit their website for more information. 

tracking