Orland Park Dentist Talks About The Realities Of Living With Canker Sores

Written by Dr. Zaibak on Apr 12, 2022

If you have ever had a canker sore before, then you know how inconvenient they can be. Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to prevent canker sores from occurring. That’s why today, in this short article, our Tinley Park dentists are going to be giving you more information about treating canker sores and caring for your smile…

Signs And Symptoms

Most canker sores are visible to the naked eye. They are often white or yellow in color, and they sometimes have a red ring around their perimeter. You may notice that the area around your canker sore feels warm or tingly, in fact these sensations may be the first indication that a canker sore is developing.

Root Causes

Canker sores occur on oral tissues that have been damaged due to irritation, allergy, or accident. Many people conflate canker sores with cold sores—cold sores are caused by HSV-1, while canker sores are not.

Patients who live with Celiac disease, Chron’s disease, and HIV/AIDS are more likely than other patients to develop canker sores.

Treatment Options

Canker sores usually heal and resolve on their own within two weeks. During this time, you want to keep your mouth as clean as possible, but try not to irritate the sore with aggressive or abrasive brushing/cleaning.

For short-term relief look for over-the-counter products that contain:

  • Benzocaine
  • Fluocinonide
  • Hydrogen Peroxide

If your canker sore does not seem to be healing within a week or two, please contact your dental team for further guidance and treatment. There are prescription products available to facilitate tissue healing, including oral steroids, if necessary.

Want to learn more about dealing with canker sores and other occasional oral health problems? Our Orland Park dentists are here to help, so give us a call to schedule your personal consultation!