If you’ve ever had canker sores, you know they are very uncomfortable. In fact, they can derail any lifestyle until they dissipate. The average sore can take anywhere between two and five days to do so. However, some can take up to three weeks to heal properly. In some cases, you may need to seek care from your local Emergency Dental Service in Bethesda MD.
Causes
The causes of canker sores are not yet well established. Canker sores are not infectious, therefore they are not contagious. Several factors, including heredity, may contribute to their development. However, scientists have noted some factors that tend to trigger symptoms in people. They include:
1.
A small wound inside the mouth. It can be caused by a bad fit of a
dental prosthesis, dental surgery, forceful use of the toothbrush or
by a biting the cheek, etc.
2. Physical fatigue and stress. They
often precede the onset of canker sores.
3. Allergies or food
sensitivities. It has been reported that allergies or food
sensitivities can cause sores (eg, coffee, chocolate, eggs, nuts,
cheese, high-acid foods and preservatives such as benzoic acid and
cinnamaldehyde).
4. Dietary deficiency of vitamin B12, zinc, folic
acid or iron.
5. Smoking cessation.
6. Infection with the
bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that can cause
ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
7. Certain drugs.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and others), beta-blockers
(propranolol and others) and alendronate (against osteoporosis) can
cause canker sores.
8. Hormonal changes related to the menstrual
cycle. Canker sores tend to occur during menstruation, but the
relationship is uncertain.
Using a toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate may increase the risk of canker sores. It makes the inside of the mouth more susceptible to injury by removing the protective layer that lines it. However, this hypothesis remains to be tested. Some small-scale clinical trials suggest the use of a toothpaste without this ingredient reduces the frequency of canker sores.
However,
a more recent trial found that the type of toothpaste used had no
effect on ulcers.
When you are in pain, seeing an Emergency Dental
Service in Bethesda MD, may be your only choice. Canker
sores
may not be debilitating, but they can hurt immensely. This is the
case if there are multiple sores present. To learn more, contact
