Dencyclopedia

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CANKER SORE

Introduction:

A canker sore is a small, shallow sore that develops on the soft tissues in your mouth or on your gums. They’re usually white or yellow and may have a red border. Canker sores can make eating and talking uncomfortable. But they’re not contagious like cold sores.

Canker sores are common. Most people get them at some point in their lives. They’re more common in women than men and usually happen between the ages of 10 and 20. But you can get them at any age.

Types of Canker:

There are two types of canker sores:

1. Minor Canker Sores measure less than 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) across. They’re the most common type and usually heal within a week or two without treatment.

2. Major Canker Sores measure more than 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) across and take longer to heal. You may get one or more of these sores at a time.

What causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause of canker sores isn’t known. But there are some things that may trigger them, such as:

  • A minor injury to your mouth from dental work, brushing your teeth, or wearing braces
  • Hormonal changes during your menstrual period
  • A weakened immune system
  • Stress
  • Foods, such as chocolate, coffee, strawberries, and nuts
  • A bacterial or viral infection

What are the symptoms of a Canker Sore?

1. The main symptom of a canker sore is a small ulcer (open sore) on your tongue, inside your cheek, or on the back of your throat. You may notice a tingling or burning feeling a day or two before the sore appears.

2. The sore is usually round and white or yellow in the center with a red border. It’s usually about 1 to 3 millimeters (mm) across. You may have just one canker sore or a cluster of several sores.

3. Canker sores usually go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. But they can be painful, especially when you eat or drink.

How are Canker Sores diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose a canker sore just by looking at it. He or she may also ask about your medical history and whether you have any other symptoms.

If your doctor thinks you have a more serious condition, such as an infection, he or she may do a physical exam. He or she may also order tests, such as a blood test or a culture of the sore. A culture can help find out if you have a bacterial or viral infection.

How are Canker Sores treated?

Most canker sores go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. But there are things you can do to ease the pain and speed up healing.

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
  • Place a cold, wet cloth on the sore.
  • Put a numbing gel or cream on the sore. You can buy these without a prescription at the drugstore.
  • Apply a topical ointment that contains zinc oxide, such as Orabase, to the sore. You can buy this without a prescription.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), to help relieve pain.

Conclusion:

If you have a canker sore, there are things you can do to ease the pain and speed up healing. Most canker sores go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. But if yours doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, is very painful, or is making it hard to eat or drink, see your doctor. He or she may prescribe a stronger pain reliever or a mouthwash that contains a numbing agent or an antibiotic.

 

FAQ’s:

1. Are Canker Sore contagious?

Canker sores are contagious and can be passed on from person to person. However, the risk of transmission is low and it is not considered a serious health threat. There are no specific treatments or cures for canker sores, but there are some home remedies that may help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with them. Additionally, over-the-counter medications can be used to help reduce the symptoms.

If you have a canker sore, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid picking at or scratching the sore. You should also avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, or towels with others. If you have a severe canker sore or if the sore is not healing, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.

2. How Canker Sore form?

Canker sores are ulcers that form on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They are thought to be caused by a combination of viral infections, immune system problems, and stress. Canker sores typically appear as small, round, white or yellowish ulcers with red borders. They can occur on the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the gums, or on the soft palate.

They usually heal within two weeks without any treatment. However, some people may experience recurrent canker sores. There is no cure for canker sores, but there are some treatments that can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with them.

3. Can Canker Sore pain radiate?

Canker sore pain can radiate from the sore itself to other areas of the mouth and face. The pain is often described as a burning or stinging sensation. Additionally, canker sores can make it difficult to eat or drink due to the pain. Some people may also experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.

4. What triggers Canker Sore?

There is no one specific trigger for canker sores. However, they are thought to be caused by a combination of viral infections, immune system problems, and stress. Canker sores typically occur in people who are under a lot of stress or who have a weakened immune system. Additionally, some people may be more susceptible to canker sores due to genetics. If you experience recurrent canker sores, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.

5. What home remedy can help soothe the pain of a Canker Sore?

There are several home remedies that can help to soothe the pain of a canker sore. These include rinsing the mouth with salt water, applying a topical cream or ointment, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. Additionally, you can try sucking on ice chips or eating cold foods to help numb the pain. If the pain is severe, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.

6. Is it a myth that Canker Sore is caused by stress?

It is not a myth that canker sores can be caused by stress. Stress is thought to be one of the contributing factors for canker sores. Additionally, canker sores are more common in people who have a weakened immune system. If you experience recurrent canker sores, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.

7. What is the difference between a Canker Sore and a Cold Sore?

Canker sores are ulcers that form on the mucous membranes of the mouth. They are thought to be caused by a combination of viral infections, immune system problems, and stress. Canker sores typically appear as small, round, white or yellowish ulcers with red borders. They can occur on the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the gums, or on the soft palate.

Cold sores are blisters that form on the lips, nose, or chin. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores usually heal within two weeks without any treatment. However, some people may experience recurrent cold sores.

8. Will Canker Sore heal on its own?

Canker sores typically heal within two weeks without any treatment. However, some people may experience recurrent canker sores. If you experience recurrent canker sores, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.

9. What are the complications of Canker Sore?

Complications from canker sores are rare. However, if the canker sore is large or extremely painful, it may interfere with eating and drinking. Additionally, some people may experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.