Have you ever had a canker sore? Have you waited eagerly for the pain to fade and for your ability to speak to return? Of course, your pain will eventually fade, but we strongly recommend visiting a dentist if you have a particularly persistent or painful sore. While no one is exactly sure what causes canker sores, some of the potential triggers include:
- An injury to your mouth. This can come from dental work, brushing too hard, or even accidentally biting your cheek
- Toothpaste and mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Some foods you may be sensitive to, such as coffee, strawberries, eggs, cheese, or chocolate
- A diet that is missing important vitamins or minerals. Your dentist may recommend nutritional supplements that can decrease your pain and help you prevent future sores.
- Allergies to specific bacteria in your mouth
- Excessive emotional stress
- Certain health conditions
Sadly, even if you avoid these triggers, a canker sore could still appear. Luckily, there are many things you can do to alleviate your discomfort. For example, if your canker sore is extremely painful—painful enough that you need to visit your dentist—you may be given a prescription for a mouthwash with a steroid that can reduce pain and inflammation. There are also over-the-counter medications that you can apply to your sores. Over-the-counter painkillers can also be useful.
Please feel free to contact us soon. We will gladly answer any questions you have and help you however we can. We are eager to hear from you.
