What Are Canker Sores?

They’re some of the most dreaded and feared mouth-related problems: Canker Sores. These are small yellow or white sores that appear on your lips and gums. They can make it hard to go about your everyday life, including eating, speaking, and drinking. Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos of All Coast Dental have put together a guide for treating canker sores. Learn more by contacting our office in Pacific Beach, CA.

 

Before we discuss treatment, it’s important to understand what exactly canker sores are. They come in three types: herpetiform, minor, and major. Minor sores are small, healing between a week or two. Major is extensively bigger. These take up to six weeks to heal. Herpetiform come in clusters of ten to one hundred. They are tiny, about the size of a pinprick. It’s important to visit your Pacific Beach dentist if this is your first time experiencing a canker sore. Severe or recurring sores should also be checked out by a medical professional.

 

Many patients find relief in home remedies or holistic treatments. With all injuries, applying ice to the corresponding area of the face reduces swelling. You can also try placing a wet tea bag on the sore. Of course, you can’t go wrong with salt water or a baking soda rinse. Combine a mixture of water and either substance. Swish that around your mouth for one to two minutes. Nutritional deficiencies may cause outbreaks. Your diet should include foods that are rich in iron and B vitamins.

 

Over-the-counter treatments yield positive results. Most grocery stores or supermarkets sell a variety of canker sore treatments. Many offer numbing agents that contain Benzocaine. Dabbing a small amount of the gel on the sore provides temporary relief. Canker sore patches create a gel-based barrier on top of it. Invest in some antibacterial mouthwashes that target canker sores. These clean the ulcer while soothing it.

 

Schedule an appointment at All Coast Dental if you or a loved one are struggling with canker sores. Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos are here to help. Our office is located in Pacific Beach, CA. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 858-270-4904.