Common Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can be painful and annoying. Mouth sores can appear inside the mouth, lining of the cheek, on the tongue, gums or the lips, and on the roof of the mouth. There are different causes of mouth sores. Some of the causes include:
· Infections from bacteria, viruses or fungus
· Irritation from a loose orthodontic wire
· Dentures that are ill-fitting
· Broken tooth or filling
Canker Sores
Canker sores occur inside the mouth, on the lining of the cheek, tongue, or gums. They can be small or large ulcers with a white, yellow or gray center and a flat red border. Canker sores are painful but they are not contagious. There can be one or several canker sores appear in the mouth at the same time. Canker sores usually heal on their own after one or two weeks. The exact cause of these ulcers is unknown. Some things may contribute to having canker sores:
· Biting the inside of the cheeks or tongue;
· Constant dry mouth;
· Family history of canker sores;
· Low levels of some minerals or vitamins in the diet, such as iron, folate, and B vitamins;
· Emotional stress.
Treatment:
· Do nothing, canker sores usually heal on their own after one or two weeks;
· Temporary relief with over the counter topical anesthetics, antimicrobial mouthwash;
· Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods;
· See your dentist regularly.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are also called fever blisters. Cold sores appear on the lips and they come back repeatedly. Before the sores develop, you may feel a tingling, numbness, or burning sensation around the spot where sores are about to erupt. They are contagious and can be spread easily from one person to another. Cold sores are caused by a virus. Cold sores heal in about one week after the blisters form. Some things may trigger to having cold sores:
· Fever;
· Exposure to the sun;
· Extreme tiredness;
· Hormonal changes like pregnancy or having your menstrual period.
Treatment:
· Do nothing, cold sores heal in about one week after the blisters form;
· Temporary relief with over the counter topical anesthetics or topical antiviral agents;
· See your dentist regularly.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal infection. Thrush is a white coating that develops on the inside of the cheeks, tongue or the roof of the mouth. It is not contagious. Oral thrush occurs when the fungus Candida albicans reproduce in abnormally large numbers. Oral thrush can affect anyone. It is more likely to occur in babies, in people who wear dentures, in people who use steroid inhalers and people with weakened immune systems. The cause of oral thrush can occur when the immune system is weakened by diseases, drugs or antibiotics that disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in the body.
Some risk factors:
· Weakened immunity in infants and older adults;
· Uncontrolled diabetes. Saliva may contain large amounts of sugar and encourages the growth of fungus;
· Taking certain medications: steroid inhalers, antibiotics;
· Wear dentures
Treatment:
· Antifungal medications;
· Good oral hygiene-brush your teeth 2x/day and floss daily;
· Rinse the mouth with water after using the inhaler;
· Clean the dentures often;
· See your medical doctor;
· See your dentist regularly.
Dr. Anna Lee is a General & Cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the common mouth sores, call our office for a consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com