Canker Sores

Canker sores are shallow lesions on the mouth’s soft tissues or at the base of the gums. They are not contagious but can be painful and cause discomfort while eating, drinking, and even talking. Canker sores often resolve without treatment within two weeks. Still, if a sore is especially large, painful, or recurring, we may be able to recommend over-the-counter products to manage symptoms or other treatments in the case of especially large or painful sores.

Treating your canker sores starts with a visit to Savannah’s expert dentists. Request your appointment now!

What is a Canker Sore?

Canker sores are small lesions that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, on or under the tongue,or at the gumline. Also known as aphthous ulcers, they can be painful and make everyday activities like eating or talking painful. They are not contagious and may resolve within two weeks without treatment.

There are two types of canker sores:

Simple: These may appear three or four times a year and last up to two weeks.
Complex: These are less common, may last up to a month, and are often caused by an underlying health condition.

What Do Canker Sores Look Like?

Canker sores begin as small, shallow, white or yellow lesions that may be round or oval. They may appear sunken and have a red border. Some can grow up to 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but it is believed that a variety of triggers can cause an outbreak, including:

A diet lacking in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid), or iron.
An allergic reaction to certain bacteria in your mouth.
Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that also causes peptic ulcers.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
Dental appliances, such as braces or dentures.

Complex canker sores may occur due to underlying health conditions, including:

Canker Sore Symptoms

The most common symptoms of canker sores include one or more painful sores on the soft tissues inside the mouth. These may burn or tingle, especially when irritated by acidic foods (like citrus fruit) or physical abrasion (as when brushing or eating crunchy or hard foods). Talking may also irritate the sores, depending on their location.

How to Treat Canker Sores

Most canker sores do not require treatment and clear on their own within two weeks. If the sores are unusually large or painful, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine or benzocaine.
Mouth rinses containing hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or dexamethasone.
Corticosteroid ointments, such as fluocinonide, beclomethasone, or hydrocortisone hemisuccinate.
Antibiotics, such as doxycycline (usually recommended for recurrent sores).

If your canker sores are related to an underlying health condition, your dentist may recommend consulting with your primary care provider.

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Get Canker Sore Treatment In Savannah, GA

Canker sores can be painful, but they are not contagious or dangerous. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective in managing your symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today!
At Habersham Dental, we are proud to provide the very best dental care to the greater Savannah area.