Symptoms and Treatments of Canker Sores

Canker sores are painful lesions that can form anywhere in the mouth. They start out as red bumps that tingle and burn. Then soreness will set in. When a canker sore has completely broken out, it will resemble a small ulcer, with a red border and a yellowish-white center.

If the inside of the mouth is injured in any way, a canker sore will usually develop in the area where the injury occurred. Sores may be hereditary and usually afflict women more than men. They can occur due to immune problems, stress, deficiencies in the diet, changes in hormone levels, food allergies and viral infections.

Canker sores are common and can be very painful until healing takes place, which can take from one to three weeks. They will go away on their own, but there are a few things that can be done to help relieve the pain.

While there is a canker sore in the mouth, hot, spicy foods should be avoided to help decrease the discomfort. Rinsing the area with warm salt water can help with healing. Over-the-counter spot medications placed directly on the sore are also helpful. A mixture of half water and half hydrogen peroxide is a home remedy that has been used and is quite effective.

Source: Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
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