Suffer From Canker Sores? We Can Help.

If you suffer from chronic canker sores, or even if you’ve only ever had one in your life, you know the discomfort and embarrassment that can result. Canker sores are a complex thing to understand, but at my Charlottesville dental office, we’re here to help.

What Causes a Canker Sore?

Unfortunately, there isn’t any concrete evidence that links a direct cause with the formation of a canker sore. However, different things can trigger one in different people. Some common suspected causes include:

• Stress
• Mouth injury
• Acidic food
• Ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliance

How Do You Make a Canker Sore Go Away?

Typically canker sores go away on their own after about a week or two, but sometimes that can seem like forever. If you’re looking for a quicker recovery, there are some over-the-counter products designed to relieve symptoms faster. If they don’t work or if you can’t use them, your Charlottesville dentist may recommend a corticosteroid or antimicrobial rinse.  

Can You Prevent a Canker Sore from Coming?

There is no cure for a canker sore. You can only treat the symptoms until it runs its course. However, if you find a particular food causes you to flare up, avoid it as much as possible. Usually acidic foods are the most common culprit, but spicy foods can also be a trigger. Canker sores are also common following an injury to the soft tissues of the mouth — typically from biting yourself while chewing — so try to practice more mindful chewing.

Do You Need to See a Dentist?

Most of the time, a canker sore will heal without the need to visit a dentist. However, if you decide to use a corticosteroid or prescription-strength antimicrobial rinse, you will need to schedule an appointment. Additionally, if any of the following symptoms are present, you should consider seeing a dentist.

• Bigger-than-normal sores
• Sores that multiply
• Anything that lasts longer than three weeks
• Severe pain

If you notice any of the signs above or want to talk about your treatment options, give my Charlottesville dental office a call. We’ll be glad to help.

We’re always welcoming new patients from Charlottesville, Earlysville, and Ruckersville.

About The Author

Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.

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