What is
Canker Sores?
Canker sores are painful oral mouth ulcers that appear on the
mucous membrane inside the mouth, the most commonly affected areas
being the inside of the lips and cheek, tongue and the upper
throat. In medical science, they are also known as aphthous
stomatitis. Canker sores usually appear as red lesions with a
white coating and they are not contagious. They are often confused
with cold sores or fever blister, which are actually quite
different. Cold sores occur on the outer lips and are caused by a
virus known as herpes simplex virus. Before discussing the cures
for canker sores, here is a brief discussion about the causes of
canker sores.
Causes of Canker Sores
Though exact causes of canker sores are not known, a wide range of
factors are suspected to trigger its outbreak. Such factors
include, stress, trauma to the oral tissues, nutritional
deficiency, especially deficiency of vitamin B12, iron, folic acid
and hormonal changes. It has been observed that canker sores can
be hereditary. Sometimes, food allergies, bacterial infection and
exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate, which is found in many
toothpastes can produce oral ulcers. These sores are also presumed
to occur as a result of reaction of the immune system, while the
recurrent canker sores are often associated with inflammatory
bowel diseases.
How to Cure a Canker Sore?
Generally, minor canker sores do not require medical treatment, as
they subside within a week or so. But if the sores are quite large
in number and causing severe pain, then medical intervention may
be required. Canker sores treatment usually involves the use of
corticosteroid preparations that contain hydrocortisone
hemisuccinate or triamcinolone acetonide to relieve the pain or
the symptoms. Anti-viral medications are also prescribed in case
of multiple ulcers. Tetracycline suspension liquid is a common
prescription medicine for canker sores. But it is not prescribed
for children, as it can cause permanent discoloration of the
teeth. Nowadays, another drug, known as debacterol, a topical
sulfuric acid/phenolics solution has shown promising results in
curing canker sores by reducing pain and increasing the healing
time required.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is another medication that can be used
as an oral rinse along with milk of magnesia. The activated mast
cells found in canker sores release histamine and leukotrienes,
which are responsible for causing allergy and inflammation. So,
aphthasol is used as a canker sore cure for its ability to prevent
the secretion of histamine and leukotrienes. This in turn results
in reduction of the severity of ulceration. Severe oral ulcers are
sometimes treated with corticosteroids like prednisone, which
however, can have serious side effects.
How to Cure Canker Sores with Home Remedies?
Apart from the prescription medicines, home remedies are also
effective as canker sores cure, especially if they are not severe.
One of the most widely used cure for canker sores is a solution of
salt water. Just add a small amount of table salt in lukewarm
water and then rinse your mouth several times a day. It will
reduce the pain associated with the sores. Applying baking soda on
the ulcers can also provide relief from pain, besides reducing the
amount of bacteria. You can apply it directly as a paste or as a
mouthwash by mixing a spoonful of baking powder in a cup of warm
water. Another effective mouthwash can be prepared by mixing both
salt and baking powder in a glass of warm water.
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and applying it on the canker
sores can help to relieve the pain. But, remember to dilute it
with a small amount of water before applying on the sores. Also do
not swallow the solution, just leave it on the sores for sometimes
and wash your mouth properly. Applying raw onion, tomato, tea tree
oil and papaya leaves on the affected areas can provide
significant relief from the discomfort caused by canker sores.
In addition to all these, eating a healthy and balanced diet, that
includes lots of wholegrain and green leafy vegetables, can play a
significant role in healing canker sores. Avoid spicy, acidic,
salty and sweet foods until the ulcers heal completely. However,
if the ulcers are causing severe pain and irritation, in spite of
using all these common cure for canker sores, then it is better to
seek medical attention.
Cold Sore
Canker Sore
Citrus
fruits have also taken some of the blame for Canker Sore
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