There are several oral health issues that people experience in their life. Most people suffer from oral problems like tooth decay and gum-related problems more. There are some other oral health problems like mouth ulcers and canker sore that occurs occasionally to some people. These sores might occur in various parts inside the mouth like inside cheeks, inside the lips, gums, or under the tongue. Wherever they occur, they are painful and it becomes very difficult to eat food during these days. It would be interesting to look at the difference between both and some other aspects about them.
What is the difference between mouth ulcers and canker sores?
The symptoms of mouth ulcers are mostly the same. However, the causes of both differentiate them. Mouth ulcers are caused due to viral infection or trauma to the mouth. Canker sores are caused due to a health condition called Aphthous Stomatitis.
What are the causes of mouth ulcers and canker cores?
– Using an infected toothbrush
– Sharing infected materials like cutlery, forks, spoons, glasses, cups, etc.
– Injury due to any appliance
– Stress
– Intake of more citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, pineapples, tomatoes, etc.
– Allergic to some sort of food or drinks
– Deficiency of the nutrition in the food also causes these problems
What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers and canker sores?
– They occur inside the cheeks
– They occur above or beneath the tongue
– They occur on the gums
– On some occasions, other effects are observed like fatigue, fever, etc.
– Painful experience while eating the food
What are the different types of canker sores?
There are different types of a canker sore that can occur to a person.
Here are the different kinds of a canker sore that may occur:
- Minor canker sores
Minor canker sores are the commonly observed canker sores among people. They are a little painful and they heal after some duration of about a week. Some common symptoms observed during the minor canker sore are tingling sensation, smaller-sized bumps inside the mouth, painful experience while drinking, eating, or speaking.
- Major canker sores
Major canker sores are observed lesser among the people and they cause severe pain to a person. They last for a longer duration about three to four weeks. Major symptoms observed here are inflammation is the smaller surrounding regions, large round bumps, pain while drinking, eating, or speaking.
- Herpetiform canker sores
Herpertiform canker sores are observed rarely among people. They are large bumps and can take several weeks to heal properly. Some of the common symptoms observed here are severe tingling, pointed bumps, pain while drinking, chewing, or talking.
What are the options for treating mouth ulcers and canker sores?
Some of the treatment options for treating mouth ulcers and cankers sores are:
- Proper medication
The medications as suggested by the dental specialist are the proper way to treat these problems. Generally, the dental expert will suggest an ointment and medicine for it.
- Topical medications
On some occasions, the dental experts can also suggest topical medications to relieve the pain to some extent. Aphthasol is one of the common ointments suggested to heal the sores early.
- Nutritional Supplements
Mouth ulcers or canker sore that causes occasionally is mostly due to deficiency in the nutritional supplements to the body. Here, the dental doctor can suggest the proper nutritional supplements.
Are there any natural ways of treating mouth ulcers and canker sores?
Some of the natural ways of treating mouth ulcers and canker sores are:
- Applying turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can be effective in healing the problem. Turmeric will have no side effects when applied to the infected area.
- Proper mouth rinsing
Mouth rinsing is one of the effective natural ways to get rid of mouth ulcers and canker sores. They can wash away all the bacteria and other viruses keeping the mouth clean.
- Avoiding habits like tobacco chewing and smoking
Tobacco chewing and smoking habits also cause the problem of mouth ulcers. So, avoiding these habits can help to eradicate mouth ulcers and canker sores.
- Drinking milk
Drinking milk can also be effective in treating mouth ulcers and canker sores. One single glass of milk can give better positive results.
Generally, mouth ulcers or canker sores are not found to be harmful. However, they are very painful, so an early treatment for them is very essential.
