Canker sores are annoying and painful but not dangerous to your dental health. Some people get canker sores often, some every once in a while. Only about 20% of us get canker sores and scientists still don’t really understand what causes them. The theory is that we get canker sores because of a problem with our immune system.

These sores can show up on the inside of the lips, inside the cheeks, at the base of the gums or on the tongue. Most of the time people get one canker sore at a time but some unlucky patients can have several at once. Fortunately they only occur a few times each year. They have been linked with other diseases such as Behcet’s syndrome.

Signs and Symptoms

You may feel a tingling or burning sensation before the sore starts to form. Canker sores take two to three days to form and usually are painful for only a few days. Most canker sores resolve after two weeks. You should call your Columbus cosmetic dentist  if your canker sore is unusually large (almost 1/2 inch across) or getting them more often than you used to.

Any mouth sore that doesn’t heal after an reasonable period of time needs to be checked. Please visit us immediately to rule out any serious conditions. If you have other symptoms such as rashes, joint pain or fever in conjunction with your canker sore outbreak please call your physician.

Treatment

Treatment of canker sores consists mainly of relieving the discomfort. Over-the-counter numbing creams and gels may be helpful. Rinsing with warm water and sticking with a bland, not salty diet may help. If a sore is very large or painful prescription medications may be called for. While canker sores are painful, don’t skip brushing and flossing!

Please contact Dr. Mark Levy in Columbus, OH today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next appointment. Don’t let canker sores or other mouth sores cause concern – call us today.