As a dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Some of my patients have dilemmas with mouth sores, thus the topic of today’s article.
If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; it is important to come in for an exam. Mouth sores can be an indicator of the disease, and an early assessment helps with preventing more serious dilemmas. If needed, important treatment and pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, I will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in problems that can cause mouth sores.
There are two types of mouth sores; canker sores and cold sores.
Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. A canker sore generally heals in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods assists with temporary relief while your sore is healing.
The cause of canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations include a cut on the inside of the mouth, a reaction to extreme temperatures, acids from food or drink, fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or a virus, or a combination of these factors.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but oftentimes heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics furnish relief.
Hope on the Horizon
There are innovative antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in curbing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often transpires before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause periodic cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.
Talk To Your Dentist
In some cases, a change in the way you care for your mouth the frequency of mouth sores. If you are in the Carlsbad, area and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, give us a call at La Costa Dental Excellence to schedule an examination.
Our number is 760-633-3033.
Contact La Costa Dental Excellence:
760-633-3033
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7730 Rancho Santa Fe Rd Ste 106
Carlsbad, California
92009
