Are Canker Sores Bothering You? Is It Time To Call For Help Yet?

Posted on: 20 September 2017

Canker sores are a nuisance that can quickly become a source of pain. Even though many people will have a canker sore in their lifetime, not everyone seeks treatment for them from their dentist. However, there are some instances in which you should. If you have canker sores, here is what you need to know:

What Causes Canker Sores?

Although canker sores have been plaguing people for years, the exact cause of them has not been determined. However, there are some factors that are believed to increase the likelihood that you will have canker sores. For instance, if you are anemic or your diet tends to be deficient in vitamin B-12 or folic acid, you could be at risk of having canker sores.

Your emotional health could even be a trigger for canker sores. If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, canker sores could occur. Sometimes, hormonal changes, such as menopause and menstruation, can even cause an outbreak.

Your overall physical health might also be a trigger. For instance, if you have an immune system disorder, such as Crohn's disease, you could be at a greater risk of suffering from canker sores.

What Can You Do?

Regardless of the cause, there are some ways you can get relief from the symptoms caused by canker sores. In most instances, the sores tend to resolve without any medical intervention, but easing your symptoms might still be necessary.

One effective means of relieving pain is to apply a topical cream or gel that contains benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide to the sores. Not only do these medications help to alleviate pain, but they can sometimes aid in healing.

If you want to go a more natural route, you could try applying a damp tea bag to canker sores. The tea bag helps to neutralize any acids in your mouth that might be causing the pain. Aloe can also help with easing the pain and with healing.

When Should You See the Dentist?

At some point, you might have to call your dentist to help treat the canker sores. Ideally, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have been treating the sores for a couple of weeks and there is no improvement.

You can also schedule an appointment to discuss the frequency of the sores. He or she can likely help to determine triggers that could be causing frequent outbreaks. You can also receive advice on what you can do to prevent an outbreak and treat one more effectively at home. 

Check out a website like http://belgradedental.com/ for more information and assistance.

Share