Why Do People Get Canker Sores?

Dentist Blog

Canker sores are painful and annoying, and for people who get them frequently, canker sores can take the pleasure out of eating, smiling and talking. Many people who get canker sores don't know why they get them or how to stop them from forming. The more you know about canker sores, the better able you'll be to prevent them from occurring.

Why do people get canker sores?

Although the exact cause for canker sores is unknown, there are many factors that are believed to trigger their formation. These triggers include:

• Injury to the tissue inside the mouth
• Menstruation
• Consumption of acidic foods
• Stress
• Consumption of foods to which you're allergic

How can you treat your canker sores?

Once a canker sore has developed, it can take a few days to a few weeks to heal. Salt has antibacterial qualities, so swishing your mouth or gargling with warm salt water can help speed the process. You can also treat your canker sore with over the counter canker sore medications, while anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen can reduce your feelings of discomfort or pain. Swish with mouthwash multiple times every day to keep the wound clean, and take a lysine supplement during the infection.

How can you prevent canker sores from forming?

There are many ways that you can prevent canker sores from reoccurring. These methods include:

• Avoid problematic foods while you have open cuts on your mouth. Wait until any cuts in your mouth heal before eating acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus fruit). This is especially important if canker sores are a frequent problem.
• Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges of braces and other dental implements. Braces contribute to cuts that can lead to canker sores, and orthodontic wax can help.
• Increase the number of times that you brush your teeth per day. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash helps to keep the bacteria in your mouth under control, thus reducing the likelihood that a canker sore will form if you should get a cut.
• Practice stress management. Get regular massages and meditate to control your stress levels.
• See your dentist regularly. Seeing your dentist can help keep your mouth clean, making it a less hospitable environment for canker sores.

For more information about how you can prevent the formation of canker sores, and how to make your mouth more comfortable when you have a canker sore, speak with your dentist. He or she can give you advice and answer questions you may have about this kind of problem.

Visit a website like http://www.hcdentistry.com/ for more information.

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20 January 2016