Canker Sores: Identifying, Treating, and Getting Help

Many of us have felt the discomfort of a small, circle sore on the inside of our lips. These irritating blemishes are commonly known as canker sores--scientifically known as recurring aphthous ulcers. They seem to crop up out of nowhere, cause stinging discomfort, and may prompt a trip to your Valencia dentist if they’re large and persistent. Today, we’re going to talk about the causes, remedies, and dangers of canker sores so you know when it’s time to visit your Valencia dentists.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The first question on everyone’s mind when they start feeling the sting of a canker sore is, “Why?” The truth is, we still haven’t pinned down the exact cause of canker sores. However, we do know of a few contributing factors. These include:

• Stress.
• Deficiencies in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12.
• Certain drugs.
• Hormonal changes.
• Physical trauma to the lips or gums.

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?

It’s easy to recognize when your mouth is in pain, but it’s not always a simple task to investigate and identify the source of the pain. The following are the telltale traits of canker sores:

• These sores are typically no larger than a centimeter across and have a defined circular or ovular shape.
• They typically develop within the front part of the mouth, on the inside of the lip, under the front or sides of the tongue, or (rarely) directly on the gums.
• If you can get a good look with a light source, canker sores are typically white or pale yellow in color and have a red outline.

How Can I Treat a Canker Sore?

Unfortunately, the best medicine for a canker sore is time. Oftentimes, these sores take roughly a week to diminish, and up to two weeks to fully disappear. That being said, there are a few techniques you can employ at home to make the process less painful:

• Do not pick at the sore. Try your best to avoid irritating the sore, as this will cause it to become inflamed, which only promotes more discomfort.
• Try swishing over-the-counter mouthwash or salt water. In either case, do not swallow after swishing.
• Avoid spicy foods, as these can aggravate the canker sore.

When Should I See a Dentist?

If you have a canker sore that is showing no signs of subsiding (or is getting worse) after two weeks, be sure to make an appointment with your local family dentist. Also, if your canker sore is very irregularly shaped or is much larger than a centimeter across, make an appointment with your Valencia dentist. 

As always, we recommend erring on the safe side and, if you’re not sure whether your ailment is serious, take the safe route and visit your dentist anyway. At Go Dental, we’re here to answer questions and love helping our patients understand!

Believe it or Not: National Toothache Day

If you look at a comprehensive calendar, you’ll find that every day marks a celebration of something or someone. Perhaps one of the oddest things to celebrate on the calendar is February 9th, National Toothache Day. Although nobody is quite sure of the origins of this oddly specific and dubious holiday, we can assure you it’s a real thing! In celebration (if that’s the right word) of National Toothache Day, we’re going to talk about what you should do if you start to feel the pain of a toothache.

1. Make an Appointment with Your Valencia Dentist
   Experiencing any pain in your mouth should prompt a quick call to your dentist. Toothaches have a tendency to escalate and oftentimes are a symptom of a larger problem. Pain in the mouth can indicate microfractures, severe cavities, and bacterial infection, so don’t ignore it.
   
   
2. Soothe the Pain Naturally
   Once the appointment is made, you may have a few hours to wait; and you shouldn’t wait in pain! Try the following natural, simply remedies to dull toothache pain.
• Clove Oil – Apply a few drops of natural clove oil to a cotton swab and lightly dab the irritated tooth. Clove oil contains a chemical compound called eugenol, a natural anesthetic, which will help dull pain. Additionally, clove oil has antiseptic properties, which can help keep a bacterial infection under control. Be careful to only apply the oil directly the tooth and do not consume it directly.
• Peppermint Tea – Similar to clove oil, peppermint tea also has a number of medicinal properties. When consumed in the form of a hot tea, peppermint acts as an anti-inflammatory. This soothing herb can quell pain from a toothache and is less volatile than clove oil, which must be used with care.
• Salt Water – Swishing warm salt water is a great way to reduce swelling and safely cleanse your mouth. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in boiling water and allow the water to cool until safe to touch. Swish for 30 seconds and spit. This should help reduce the pain!
3. Take Preventative Measures
   Of course, the best way to avoid mouth pain is to make regular visits your family dentist in Valencia. Trained professionals can give you the advice you need to keep your mouth and teeth happy and healthy. We’ll help you spot little issues before they become big problems.

This February, we wish you a National Toothache Day free of toothaches! Remember, if you have any dental concerns, consult with your friendly dentists in Valencia—we’re here to help!

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

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