If you have ever had a mouth ulcer, also known as canker sores, you understand how painful they can be! They typically last for about a week and can make eating, drinking, and even make talking very painful in some cases. Here is some information on canker sores and how you can successfully manage them.
What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Since every patient is unique, the cause of their mouth ulcers is too. It varies from person to person and can sometimes be a combination of things. Here are some causes to be aware of:
- Hormonal changes in the body such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
- Food that is highly acidic like citrus fruits or tomato sauce
- Braces or an ill-fitting denture
- Anxiety or stress
- Certain medications
- Genetics - some people are more prone than others
Many of these factors are out of your control; however, you can often reduce the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers by reducing your intake of acidic foods or beverages or practicing stress management.
Treating Mouth Ulcers
For some people, the discomfort caused by mouth ulcers diminishes after a couple of days and they eventually go away on their own. If you are prone to developing this painful condition, and you experience them frequently your dentist may be able to prescribe a mouth rinse or ointment to help reduce your pain and the frequency of your mouth ulcers.
Dr. Travis Buxton, your dentist in Bangor, also uses the dental laser to help eliminate mouth ulcers and greatly reduce their healing time. If you notice a mouth ulcer developing, contact Maine Family Dental Practice right away, as laser dentistry is the most successful when you treat the mouth ulcer within the first day or two of development.
Sometimes mouth ulcers and symptoms of oral cancer can closely mimic each other. If you notice a patch of white or red on your cheeks, lips, or gums that doesn't seem to be healing, it is important to contact Dr. Buxton right away for a checkup.
