Why Do I Have a Canker Sore?

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The mouth is an intricate system, and can be confusing. If you don’t know much about your teeth and soft tissues, don’t worry! This is the case for lots of people. Even scientists are still working some things out about the mouth.

For example, one question that remains about the mouth is the origin of canker sores. A canker sores is a shallow, small ulcer that can occasionally make eating and talking difficult. Scientists still aren’t entirely sure what causes them. One thing we do know is that canker sores are not actually contagious. They tend to run in families, though some experts believe bacteria or viruses to be involved. Occasionally, an injury to your soft tissues can also cause a canker sore. You do not need to see a doctor about canker sores unless this is the first time you’ve had them, the sore was caused by an injury (in case of further damage or infection), or if the sore is larger than 1 cm (a little less than ½ inch).

Unfortunately, there are no cures for canker sores currently. However, there are a number of things you can do to bring symptomatic relief while you wait for your body to heal itself. Rinse your mouth with warm water–not hot or cold–to help ease pain and keep your mouth clean. An over-the-counter antimicrobial mouthwash may help, as could an over-the-counter anesthetic (for pain relief). Avoid any acidic or spicy foods that could irritate the sores! Fortunately, the pain should fade out in a few days and the sore should heal on its own in 7-10 days, though sometimes this takes up to 2 weeks. Antibiotics from Dr. Lee J. Cowles, DMD may help control any secondary infection that may arise.

To learn more about canker sores or about other abnormalities in the mouth, we invite you to call Cowles Dental Care at 503-255-1506. Our team is here to help you in any way we can. We are excited to give you the information you’re looking for! If you suspect a problem and are in the Portland, Oregon area, be sure to call us for an appointment as soon as possible.