Canker sores can be a painful nuisance, making everyday activities like eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. At Dental Design Studio, we understand how frustrating it can be to maintain your oral hygiene while dealing with these sores. To help you navigate this issue, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, typically appear as small, round lesions that are reddish. You’ll often find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as the inside of your cheeks, your tongue, or at the base of your gums. Sometimes, these sores may have a yellow or white center, which can make them more noticeable.

What Causes Canker Sores?

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of canker sores. One of the most common causes is physical injury, such as biting your lip or cheek, or even aggressive brushing. Additionally, certain individuals may have a sensitivity to specific ingredients in toothpaste, particularly those containing sodium lauryl sulfate.

Diet can also play a role in the onset of canker sores. Foods like chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy dishes have been known to trigger these painful sores in some people. Moreover, deficiencies in essential vitamins, particularly vitamin B-12 and zinc, may increase susceptibility to canker sores.

Tips for Managing Canker Sores

The most effective way to support healing is by maintaining good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. While it may be tempting to avoid the area around a canker sore when brushing, doing so can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, potentially worsening the situation.

To assist in the healing process, consider using a gentle mouthwash designed specifically for mouth sores. If you find that the pain persists or if you frequently experience canker sores, it’s essential to reach out to your dentist in Shorewood.

When brushing near the sore, be sure to do so gently but thoroughly. Most canker sores will heal within a week, but if you notice that they are recurring or taking longer than usual to resolve, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team at Dental Design Studio. We can evaluate your oral health and provide tailored advice for managing your condition.

Schedule Your Appointment

For more information about managing canker sores or to schedule your next visit, please contact Dental Design Studio. We are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and look forward to seeing you soon!