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1. Canker sores are not cold sores.
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers inside the mouth. Cold sores or fever blisters are found outside the mouth around the lips and they are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
2. Canker sores are not contagious.
They are very common but you will not catch cankers from someone else. The cause of most remains a mystery.
3. Some things trigger them.
Stress, irritations of the mouth cavity, food allergies, diet, and nutritional deficiencies are thought to put people at risk for cankers. Sometimes they indicate an immune system problem.
4. Avoid foods that may spark them.
Spicy, salty, or acidic foods (such as tomatoes, oranges, and lemons) may bring on canker sores.
5. Check your toothpaste.
Some research suggests that toothpastes and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may increase reoccurrence of canker sores.
6. No treatment may be best.
Cankers often heal on their own in 7 to 10 days. Just try to avoid irritating them.
7. Ice them.
Apply ice to relieve the pain of canker sores. Avoid irritating sores with the sharp edges of the ice.
8. Rinse them gently.
An antimicrobial mouthwash or one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in water may help reduce irritation from canker sores.
9. Paste them.
An over-the-counter oral paste may protect the canker sores from irritation and ease pain, but it should be used sparingly to avoid disruption of the healing process.
10. Talk to your dentist.
If you have a sore that does not heal in two weeks, see your dentist. Also with excessive pain or frequent reoccurrence of sores, see your dentist. |
Ten Tips on Canker Sores