Everyone knows what a mouth ulcer, commonly known as a canker sore, feels like. That nagging, persistent pain, and the sharp, jagged stab when you prod it with your tongue or even just try to eat something. But what causes a canker sore? And is there a way to treat them? In this blog entry, the team of Dr. Steven Harrison of Parkcrest Dental Group takes a look at some of the causes and potential remedies for canker sores.
Are there habits that can cause them? Are you more likely to get them if you have tooth problems? Can they be caused by braces? Read on to find out more from Dr. Steven Harrison, a professional in orthodontic dentistry services.
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The Two Types of Canker Sores
There are two types of canker sores — simple canker sores, and complex canker sores. The difference between the two is that a simple sore will only occur infrequently, whereas a complex sore will appear multiple times. Whichever the kind, they’re always persistently painful and extremely annoying to deal with.
Symptoms and Causes
We all know symptoms of a mouth ulcer. The initial tenderness on a part of the inside of your lip of mouth that quickly develops into a painful lump. These ulcers are often made worse because of accidentally biting them, which in itself can be incredibly painful.
Ulcers, unlike cold sores, are caused most often by irritation, either because of a part of your mouth is rubbing against your teeth, or from being bitten by accident because of crooked or misaligned teeth. Stress can also be a cause, along with eating too much acidic food. Complex sores can also be caused by underlying health problems such as vitamin deficiencies and even digestive issues.
Are There Ways to Treat Them?
There are a few options available when it comes to treating canker sores. There are a variety of over-the-counter creams and gels that can be applied directly to the affected area to numb it, although they don’t work for everyone. While mouth ulcers generally heal in about a week, some dentists (not Parkcrest at this time) will offer laser treatments to eliminate them completely.
Potentially Preventing Canker Sores
If you’re having braces fitted by Dr. Steven Harrison, you might be wondering if braces are likely to cause canker sores through friction. This can happen with some types of braces due to the material they’re made from. Using a small amount of wax to cover the sharper parts of the brackets fitted to your teeth is a simple, effective way to prevent this.
You should also be mindful of how you eat, as well as what you eat. Traditional braces need a little getting used to, so pay attention to how you chew, especially if you’re getting canker sores. You can always ask Dr. Steven Harrison for advice if you’re concerned or experiencing persistent mouth ulcers after having braces fitted.
Contact Dr. Steven Harrison at Parkcrest Dental
Hopefully, these tips will help if you’re currently suffering from, or are prone to, frequent canker sore problems. Remember that not all treatments work for everyone, and to talk to your general dentistry professional for the best advice.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Springfield, MO to help achieve your perfect smile, contact Dr. Steven Harrison at Parkcrest Dental Group. Dr. Harrison has helped countless patients in Springfield and is waiting to help you today.
