Primghar IA Dentist | Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores

Primghar IA Dentist
../../../../../Stock%20Photos/Identity%20Purchased/iStock-637756624.jpg

A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What do they look like?

Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.

What causes them?

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.

What can I do?

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our Primghar family dentist. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact Family 1st Dental of Primghar. We look forward to seeing you.

 

Family 1st Dental of Primghar
Phone: (712) 957-2460
180 1st Street Northeast
Primghar, IA 51245

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Primghar Dental Office

Primghar Location

180 1st Street Northeast,
Primghar, IA 51245

(712) 957-2460

Stubbe

Our Dental News

Exploring the Potential Link Between Gum Disease and Cancer: What You Need to Know | Primghar IA Dentist

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is caused by bacterial infection of the gum tissue, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. […]

Learn More

Are Your Medications Damaging Your Oral Health? | Primghar IA Dentist

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans are currently taking prescription medications and more than half take vitamins or other dietary supplements. Even when used as directed and under medical supervision, you […]

Learn More

Advantages of Root Canal Therapy | Primghar IA Dentist

According to a 2014 report by the American Association of Endodontists, 54 percent of people surveyed said, “root canals make them apprehensive.” Our   team understands that many patients feel nervous prior to treatment. However, root canal treatment can greatly improve […]

Learn More