Canker sores are a fairly common occurrence. It’s safe to say that most of us have had a canker sore at some point in time. These sores develop in your mouth for a wide variety of reasons, from stress to irritating ingredients in your toothpaste. However, it’s good to understand what a canker is and what it is not. This truth can help uncover the cause and resolve these uncomfortable sores.
The Cold Sore versus the Canker Sore
Many people confuse cold sores and cankers, and both can be equally uncomfortable. However, there are some distinct differences that set them apart. Cold sores appear outside of the mouth, are contagious, and are caused by the herpes simplex virus, while canker sores develop inside the mouth and are caused by a variety of different things. They are not contagious. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, and even pregnancy can lead to the development of canker sores. Fortunately, these sores resolve on their own in 7-10 days. If you find that you are getting them a lot or that they don’t go away after 10 days, call your dentist.
What are Some of the Causes of Canker Sores?
There are many different things that can cause cankers to develop. Even toothpaste can have irritating ingredients that may create canker sores. In fact, something as small as accidentally biting the inside of your inner cheek can create a canker. Less obvious causes are pregnancy, insufficient rest, and nutritional deficiencies. However, there are other circumstances that can result in the development of canker sores as well. Believe it or not, you can even be genetically predisposed to cankers if you have a close relative that frequently gets these uncomfortable sores.
What Can You Do About Canker Sores?
Cankers require no medication and resolve on their own, usually after 10 days. You can take pain medication if the discomfort becomes excessive, however, it’s best to see a dentist if these uncomfortable sores hang around for a long time.Our Garden City dental team can determine the underlying cause of your cankers and help relieve the pain and discomfort. Call Garden City Dental Group and schedule an appointment if you have questions or concerns about any type of oral sores you’re experiencing.
Cankers can be uncomfortable. More often than not, they resolve themselves on their own, but if you have cankers that stick around for longer than a week, make an appointment with the dentists at Garden City Dental Group. Dr. Cerrato, Dr. Sheehan, and Dr. Lizzio can help you uncover the root cause of your cankers.