ABSTRACT – Canker sores and aphthous ulcers are the same which are simply mouth ulcers. Small and shallow ulcers...
Canker sores
Canker sores and aphthous ulcers are the same which are simply mouth ulcers. Small and shallow ulcers appear on the soft tissue of mouth or gums and not on surface of the lips which are not even contagious but it does make eating, drinking and talking painful and difficult. Canker sores ulcers generally get cured within 2 weeks.
CAUSES –
Citrus fruits or highly acidic and spicy food
Injury due to dental appliances like braces and dentures or accidental cheek/ tongue bite
High sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpastes and mouth wash
Hormonal factors during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause
Food sensitivity or allergy
Stress
Lack of vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Painful sores on the tongue, soft palate, inside of the cheek
White or grey with red edged sores in oval shape
Fever
Swelling of lymph nodes in severe cases
Difficulty in eating, drinking and talking
Burning sensation in mouth
Indigestion
DIAGNOSIS –
Visual examination
Blood test
TREATMENT –
Mouth wash to reduce swelling and pain
Topical products like creams, gels or liquid to applied on sores
Oral medications
Cauterization of sores by instrument or chemicals
Supplement of nutrition like folic acid, B6, B12, zinc
PREVENTIONS –
Maintain oral hygiene
Avoid allergic food or which can trigger sores
Taking care while using dental appliances
Use soft brush
Check product ingredients of toothpaste, mouth wash etc.
Stress Management
RISK FACTORS –
Certain food or allergies
Teen and young adults (specially females)
Family history
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
It mostly affects children and young adults with age less than 40 years.
More common in women as compared to men.
Majorly seen in non-smokers and people with high socio-economic status.
3 times more common in white people than black people and affects 25% of population worldwide.
. Designed by