I Get Bad Canker Sores–Can My Dentist Help?

You feel that telltale tingling, burning sensation in your mouth and groan internally. You know you have a canker sore coming on and resign yourself to a week or two of discomfort. Some people are unfortunate enough to develop awful canker sores. Is that something your dentist can help with?

What Causes Canker Sores?

There isn’t one singular clear root cause for canker sores. A variety of triggers have been identified though. Stress, a mouth injury, and eating acidic foods can trigger canker sores. So can taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen. Dental appliances like poorly-fitted dentures and braces can rub against the tender tissue on the inside of your mouth and cause canker sores too. People with immune system conditions and nutritional deficiencies in iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 may also be more likely to suffer from canker sores.

How Do You Manage Canker Sores?

Canker sores can be quite painful, which leads people to seek ways to manage their symptoms. Topical anesthetics and mouth rinses can help keep the pain down to more manageable levels. Corticosteroid ointments may help as well. Antibiotics may be recommended for people with recurring canker sores.

Some may find a saltwater rinse helps as well. To use salt water to manage canker sores, mix ½ c of warm water with a teaspoon of salt until the salt dissolves. Then swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. A saltwater rinse may sting quite a bit, but it helps dry out the sore and may help it heal more quickly.

Can My Dentist Help?

If you suffer from canker sores and need professional medical help, talk to your dentist at South Temple Dental. We use a dental laser to treat canker sores. By sterilizing the canker sore and modifying the nerve conduction in the sore, we not only reduce your discomfort but also speed up the healing process. If you know you get bad canker sores, come see us as soon as you notice one to get the best results.

No canker sore is pleasant, but some can be especially painful or large (or both). Fortunately, canker sores aren’t contagious and they usually go away on their own without any sort of treatment. If you get canker sores that are unusually painful, large, or long-lasting, seek professional medical help.

South Temple Dental uses laser dentistry for treating canker sores and addressing a variety of other dental concerns. Click here to learn more today!