Experiencing a canker sore can turn simple tasks like eating, drinking, and talking into painful challenges. While maintaining your oral health through brushing and flossing may seem daunting with a sore in your mouth, adhering to your daily oral hygiene routine is a crucial step in the healing process. At Steven D. Strickland, DDS, your trusted dentist in 22192, we’ve compiled a concise guide to help you understand and manage canker sores effectively.
What Do They Look Like?
Canker sores typically manifest as small, round reddish sores on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might develop a yellow or white colored center.
What Causes Them?
Several factors contribute to the formation of canker sores. Common causes include injuries, such as biting your lip or cheek, sustaining an injury from sports, or engaging in vigorous brushing. Some individuals are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, which can lead to the development of sores. Certain foods are also known to trigger canker sores in susceptible individuals, including chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods. Additionally, a diet deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc can be a contributing factor.
What Can I Do?
Your best defense against canker sores is maintaining optimal oral hygiene. This involves adhering to your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing routine. Although it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth with a mouth sore, doing so can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also consider using a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. If pain persists or if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance.
Brush thoroughly but gently around the sores. In most cases, canker sores heal within a week. However, if you find that you are regularly experiencing sores, or if they are taking longer than one week to heal, we encourage you to schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice and personalized treatment options.
For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact Steven D. Strickland, DDS. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care and look forward to assisting you with your dental needs.