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Canker Sores

Also called: Aphthous ulcers

Canker sores are small, round sores in your mouth. They can be on the inside of your cheek, under your tongue, or in the back of your throat. They usually have a red edge and a gray center. They can be quite painful. They are not the same as cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex.

Canker sores aren't contagious. They may happen if you have a viral infection. They may also be triggered by stress, food allergies, lack of vitamins and minerals, hormonal changes or menstrual periods. In some cases the cause is unknown.

In most cases, the sores go away by themselves. Some ointments, creams or rinses may help with the pain. Avoiding hot, spicy food while you have a canker sore also helps.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

The following features are indicative of Canker Sores:
  • burning
  • itching
  • stinging
  • weight loss
It is possible that Canker Sores shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Canker Sores

The following are the most common causes of Canker Sores:
  • stressful conditions
  • food allergies
  • lack of vitamin B12
  • lack of minerals
  • hormonal changes
  • genetic predisposition

Risk Factors for Canker Sores

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Canker Sores:
  • family history
  • environment factors

Prevention of Canker Sores

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Canker Sores. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • maintain good oral hygiene
  • intake vitamin B12 supplements
  • sufficient dietary nutrients intake

Occurrence of Canker Sores

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Canker Sores cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Not common between 50K - 500K cases

Common Age Group

Canker Sores most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-35 years

Common Gender

Canker Sores can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Canker Sores

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Canker Sores:
  • Blood tests: To determine deficiencies of iron

Doctor for Diagnosis of Canker Sores

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Canker Sores:
  • Dermatologist
  • Oral medicine physicians

Complications of Canker Sores if untreated

It is not know if Canker Sores causes complications if left untreated.

Procedures for Treatment of Canker Sores

The following procedures are used to treat Canker Sores:
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy: Give relief from pain

Self-care for Canker Sores

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Canker Sores:
  • Clean mouth thoroughly: Use salt water or baking soda to rinse your mouth
  • Avoid spicy food: Avoid acidic or spicy foods to decrease the risk
  • Brush the teeth gently

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Canker Sores

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Canker Sores:
  • Consumption of nutritional supplements: Eating some specific nutrients such as folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B12 or zinc and it improve Canker Sores
  • Use mouth rinses: Mouth rinse containing dexamethasone reduces pain and inflammation

Time for Treatment of Canker Sores

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Canker Sores to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 week

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Canker Sores.

Related Topics

Canker Sores

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