Easy Ways To Keep Pain Down
Canker sores are small, white or grey ulcers on the soft parts of the mouth, such as the tongue, inside of the cheeks, and just inside the lips. They have redness around the edges and can be irritating and sometimes painful. They reappear again and again over time, though they are not contagious. What causes these ulcers to appear is not really clear, but they are associated with a weakened immune system, stress, or an allergy to a certain food.
Though canker sores can heal on their own, you would not want them to stay around. Here are some tips for you so they can disappear much faster and not cause infection.
You can use a topical gel to apply directly on the sore to prevent them from getting irritated. Special patches or bandages are also available to be placed over the canker sore. You can also mouth-rinse to provide relief. Mouthwashes have antiseptic properties to prevent infection and to numb the inside of the mouth. And to promote healing, use a salt rinse.
Take vitamin B12 supplements that reduce pain from the canker sores, the number of ulcers and outbreaks. Drink chamomile tea which is said to have anti-inflammatory qualities, or rinse the mouth with it, or place a chamomile tea bag that has been soaked in warm water over the sore. You can also combine the tea with honey, drinking both for a synergistic effect as honey has some known antiseptic properties.
Using aloe vera gel directly onto the canker sore may help to soothe irritation, as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Likewise, clove oil, one of the most popular, historic remedies for mouth sores, can also be applied by soaking it in a piece of cotton wool and place directly over the sore for a while.
It’s true that canker sores will go away without treatment but the aforementioned home remedies can diminish the pain and irritation. However, if you note the sores have been bothering you for 3 or so weeks, it’s time to see your dentist or your doctor. It can be a sign of an underlying condition, like gastrointestinal disease. See your specialist right away if you have stomach pain, unexplained tiredness for more than a few days, a rash or sore on another part of the body, a fever and irritated eyes.
Home remedies may not work for all. Please ask your dentist or doctor for professional advice.
Dealing with Mouth Sores in Bellevue
Know more about mouth sores when you pay Overlake Dental a visit. Keeping regular appointments with your dentist keeps you well updated about your state of oral health, and needless to say, catches early signs of dental problems.
