Stressed out, are canker sores showing up?

Canker sores seem to occur at the worst times: your wedding day, a big presentation, etc. There’s a reason canker sores commonly coincide with big events. Canker sores are about more than stress. Here’s what they’re really trying to tell you and how a dentist may be able to help.

What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are a type of ulcer that happens in your mouth. Some people get dozens at a time, making eating and talking difficult. Unlike cold sores, canker sores aren’t contagious, but they are painful because they happen at the ends of nerves. Ouch!

What Causes Canker Sores?
If you’re prone to canker sores, overenthusiastic brushing or pricking the inside of your mouth can trigger one as well as using a toothpaste or wash that includes sodium lauryl sulfate.

Some people are sensitive to certain foods like:

Strawberries
Coffee
Eggs
Hot spices
Citric acid (mostly found in sour candy and some beverages)
Hormonal shifts often bring them on, which explains why they often center around life events. They can also be an allergic reaction to too much ulcer-causing bacteria in your mouth, so a dental check-up may be in order.

How to Manage Canker Sore Pain
Dissolvable canker patches, gargling with warm salt water, or topical OTC painkillers approved for oral use may help canker sore pain. The best way to stop the pain is to find out how to prevent them.

Take note of what you’re eating may contribute, practice managing stress, and don’t forget the dental check-up. At the dentist, a dental hygienist removes plaque that harbors harmful bacteria, giving your mouth a fresh start for good oral hygiene.

Resolving cankers sores is just one more way dental health is vital for overall health. Don’t forget to schedule your dental appointment with Dentistry on Carmel today 704-900-5045.