Easy Treatments For Canker Sores

Whether eating, drinking, or talking, a canker sore hurts a lot.

The amount of excruciating pain a canker sore generates is inversely proportional to its minuscule size.

Despite being very tiny, it is impossible to be unaware of a canker sore.

Even today, dental and medical professionals cannot determine what causes canker sores.

However, several factors have been linked to their occasional occurrence.

These include:

• Oral Trauma: Accidental bites, irritation from dental appliances, or aggressive brushing can develop canker sores.
• Stress and Fatigue: Stress and lack of sleep are significant distractions for the body’s immune system, putting you in a vulnerable position to get canker sores.
• Poor Diet: Deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, or vitamin B12 are thought to contribute to canker sores.
• Weakened Immune System: Some diseases or conditions that can weaken your immune system may predispose you to develop canker sores.

While these factors may contribute to their occasional occurrence, the good news is that several easy treatments and remedies help you manage canker sores effectively.

Easy Remedies For Canker Sores

• Ice: While ice won’t make even the most minuscule canker sores disappear, it is valuable enough to provide temporary relief. To use, gently press an ice cube on the affected area.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Professionals believe specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause canker sores. Check with your doctor to ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals. If this proves difficult, consult your medical professional about taking the necessary supplements.
• Kick The Habit: Both cigarette and alcohol consumption irritate canker sores. As such, abstinence might prove to be a great source of relief.
• DIY Rinses: Known as an all-around curative plant, the extract from the inner portion of the aloe vera leaf can be used to rinse over the area affected with canker sores. Similarly, you can prepare a rinse by diluting 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide in 1-2 ounces of water.
• Wet Tea Bag: A tea bag can immediately relieve canker sores. Tea contains tannic acid, a natural pain reliever. Press the tea bag against the affected area for several minutes.

Additional Tips to Prevent and Manage Canker Sores

However, the above remedies can only be helpful if taken at the right time. Below are some of the measures you can take to prevent the occurrence of canker sores.

Z Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean is one of the best ways to prevent canker sores. When brushing your teeth, be gentle to avoid harming your gums and sensory organs like the cheeks. Use a mild toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), as this ingredient may trigger canker sores in some individuals.

Z Stay Hydrated

Some of the effects of dehydration include making your mouth prone to irritations and ulcers. Drinking water as often as possible helps keep the mouth moist and the body hydrated.

Z Reduce Stress

Stress management is one of the essential measures in avoiding the development of canker sores. You can integrate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, into your daily activities. Incorporating these practices can go a long way in assisting you in avoiding stress-related canker sores.

Z Avoid Irritating Foods

Certain foods can trigger or worsen canker sores. Spicy, acidic, or salty foods are common culprits. Try to avoid these foods when you have a sore or if you are prone to developing them.

Z Protect Your Mouth

If you wear braces, dentures, or other dental appliances, ensure they fit properly and do not impinge on the soft tissues in your mouth. Consult your dentist to address any issues with poorly fitting devices.

When to See a Dentist

Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 10 days.

However, you should consult a medical or dental professional if:

• The sore is unusually large or particularly painful.
• You have multiple sores at the same time.
• The sores last for more than two weeks.
• You experience difficulty eating or drinking.
• A fever or any other symptoms of an infection sets in.

However, if an individual develops recurrent canker sores, it may be due to a health disorder such as a nutrient deficiency, a hormonal change, or an autoimmune disease. Your dentist or doctor can prescribe a test to determine what is going wrong and suggest the right action.

Oral Health at Bondi Beach Dentist

If you experience any oral health irregularities that persist for more than 10 days, consult your medical and dental professionals.

Bondi Dental is a local practice committed to advancing its patients’ dental well-being.

Book an appointment with your Bondi Beach dentist today.

Call your Bondi Beach dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.