Canker Sores - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Peter Rodrick
November 01, 2008
Canker sores are a common condition that affects the lining of the soft tissue of the mouth. The medical term for canker sores is "recurrent aphthous ulcerations" or simply "aphthae." Canker sores start as white to yellowish ulcers that are surrounded by redness. They are usually very small but may enlarge to 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. Healing usually takes place in seven to 10 days.
Canker Sore Causes
Recurrent canker sores have been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. In these cases, the development of canker sores may signal a flare-up of the bowel disease.
Some studies have suggested an association with Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic ulcers.
Canker sores often occur near the time of a menstrual period. They may also be brought on by stress - for example, many students get them during exams. Other possible causes include lack of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), folic acid, or iron. Certain foods may be triggers for canker sores or act as nutrients for the Streptococcus bacteria.
Injury to the mouth - such as scratching by abrasive foods or a stray toothbrush bristle - can trigger outbreaks of canker sores, although these factors probably do not cause the disorder. Hormonal disorders can contribute to canker sores, as can deficiencies of iron, folic acid, or Vitamin B12. There may be an association of canker sores with Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic ulcers, and they have been associated with the AIDS virus.
Canker Sores Symptoms
If you have canker sores, you can probably tell the world about your canker sores symptoms. The biggest canker sores symptoms are pain, pain, pain. If your canker sores are located on the tongue, your canker sores symptoms are screaming at you, and do not allow you much relief. Your canker sores symptoms are not going to be so severe when the canker sores are located elsewhere, but you will still experience some discomfort.
These are clusters of dozens of tiny lesions that may merge to form a single large ulcer. Herpetiform canker sores usually develop later in life and may last from a week to a month or more.
Care:
There is no cure for canker sores. Sometimes medicines are used to help your pain. Follow your caregiver's advice for caring for your mouth. You may need to have your dentures or braces adjusted if they are causing the sores.
If you feel a burning or tingling sensation inside your mouth, canker sore might appear afterwards. It will start with a small whitish sore somewhat like a wound with red edges around it. Either it will appear under your tongue, inside your cheeks or on your tongue, canker sore starts with the same sensation and appearance. Other symptoms like swelling of lymph nodes, fever and listlessness could also be experienced though not related to canker sore.
Treatments for canker sores
Over the counter treatment consists of local anesthetics, such as benzocaine (Anbesol®, Num-Zit®, Zilactin-B®), which provide pain relief, and antiseptics containing carbamide peroxide (Gly-Oxide Liquid®, Orajel Perioseptic®).
Some doctors recommend applying ice to the canker sore, avoiding food that is irritating, and rinsing your mouth with over-the-counter preparations such as diluted hydrogen peroxide or elixir of Benadryl. Some people find relief by rinsing the mouth with a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.
Liquids or ointments with a numbing ingredient such as benzocaine (Anbesol, Orabase, Tanac) help relieve the discomfort of canker sores.
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Canker Sore Causes
Recurrent canker sores have been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. In these cases, the development of canker sores may signal a flare-up of the bowel disease.
Some studies have suggested an association with Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic ulcers.
Canker sores often occur near the time of a menstrual period. They may also be brought on by stress - for example, many students get them during exams. Other possible causes include lack of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), folic acid, or iron. Certain foods may be triggers for canker sores or act as nutrients for the Streptococcus bacteria.
Injury to the mouth - such as scratching by abrasive foods or a stray toothbrush bristle - can trigger outbreaks of canker sores, although these factors probably do not cause the disorder. Hormonal disorders can contribute to canker sores, as can deficiencies of iron, folic acid, or Vitamin B12. There may be an association of canker sores with Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic ulcers, and they have been associated with the AIDS virus.
Canker Sores Symptoms
If you have canker sores, you can probably tell the world about your canker sores symptoms. The biggest canker sores symptoms are pain, pain, pain. If your canker sores are located on the tongue, your canker sores symptoms are screaming at you, and do not allow you much relief. Your canker sores symptoms are not going to be so severe when the canker sores are located elsewhere, but you will still experience some discomfort.
These are clusters of dozens of tiny lesions that may merge to form a single large ulcer. Herpetiform canker sores usually develop later in life and may last from a week to a month or more.
Care:
There is no cure for canker sores. Sometimes medicines are used to help your pain. Follow your caregiver's advice for caring for your mouth. You may need to have your dentures or braces adjusted if they are causing the sores.
If you feel a burning or tingling sensation inside your mouth, canker sore might appear afterwards. It will start with a small whitish sore somewhat like a wound with red edges around it. Either it will appear under your tongue, inside your cheeks or on your tongue, canker sore starts with the same sensation and appearance. Other symptoms like swelling of lymph nodes, fever and listlessness could also be experienced though not related to canker sore.
Treatments for canker sores
Over the counter treatment consists of local anesthetics, such as benzocaine (Anbesol®, Num-Zit®, Zilactin-B®), which provide pain relief, and antiseptics containing carbamide peroxide (Gly-Oxide Liquid®, Orajel Perioseptic®).
Some doctors recommend applying ice to the canker sore, avoiding food that is irritating, and rinsing your mouth with over-the-counter preparations such as diluted hydrogen peroxide or elixir of Benadryl. Some people find relief by rinsing the mouth with a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.
Liquids or ointments with a numbing ingredient such as benzocaine (Anbesol, Orabase, Tanac) help relieve the discomfort of canker sores.
Visit Home Remedies. Do not forget to visit Breast Enhancement Product and Breast Spray to Firm Breasts
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