Canker sores are red, swollen ulcers that develop in your mouth but are not contagious. These sores do not pose a threat to your oral health—they are just extremely painful and annoying. They tend to develop in groups and they are usually swollen and puffy. When it first develops, you may experience a burning or tingling feeling.
What are the causes?
The causes of canker sores are unknown, but they tend to develop when you are stressed or tired, when you have braces, when you eat food that you are allergic to, and when you eat or drink a product that has a lot of acid. The sores might also develop when you do not get enough vitamins or minerals in your diet or when you hurt or injure your mouth.
What are the treatments?
Typically, canker sores don’t need treatment. They should disappear in a matter of days. However, waiting for the sore to heal is a difficult task. So, to relieve the pain and speed up the healing process, you can use antimicrobial mouth rinse, corticosteroid ointment, or an over-the-counter or prescribed solution or medication.
If you have a canker sore for more than two weeks, our Dowsett Dental Health team strongly recommends scheduling an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Nathalie Dowsett. Our team cares about you and your oral health, so if you need help or if you would like to learn more about canker sores in Calgary, Alberta, call 403.229.0510 today!