Canker sores are painful,benign sores generally seen inside the mouth.
These are the most common types of mouth sores.
Generally seen on the inside of the cheeks ,tongue, lips ,soft palate,and gums.
CAUSES: some of the most common causes are,
- heredity
- reduced immunity
- recent dental work
- trauma
- vitamin deficiency
- stress
- hormonal changes
- food allergies
- viral infection
SYMPTOMS:
- Burning or tingling sensation followed by a painful red spot or bump (or a cluster of bumps)which opens up to form an ulcer.
- Fever, body pain, tiredness
- General weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Pain decreases in 7-10 days and complete healing takes place in 1-3 weeks. Small ulcers heal faster than the larger ones.
If canker sores persist or if they reoccur frequently ,then certain tests would have to be performed to rule out other possible causes like erythema multiforme, lichen planus, herpes infection and allergic reactions.
A non healing ulcer could be cancerous and a biopsy needs to be performed to diagnose this.
TREATMENT:
Canker sores are generally self limiting and do not need any treatment.
- Lignocaine gel can be applied onto the ulcers
- Chlorhexidine mouthwashes could be helpful
- vitamin supplements are generally prescribed for faster healing
- you should avoid eating hot and spicy foods
- salt water mouth rinses can be beneficial
- corticosteroid medications are prescribed for large sized ulcers.
The ulcers would heal in a few days time. However, if an ulcer persists for more than 2 weeks , you should visit your doctor to get this examined.
