Do you or your child suffer from canker sores or mouth ulcers?
These painful sores can make it difficult to eat and speak. They are common in children and can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, trauma, stress, and certain foods.
But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with some easy-to-follow tips on preventing and treating canker sores.
Symptoms
Here are some common symptoms of canker sores that you should look out for:
- Small, round sores with a white or yellow center and a red border
- Painful or sensitive to touch
- Difficulty eating or speaking
If left untreated
If left untreated, canker sores can lead to the following problems:
- Pain and discomfort
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Infection
- Scarring
If left untreated, canker sores can cause several problems for you or your child. The first and most obvious problem is pain and discomfort, making eating, speaking, and sleeping difficult. As the sore grows, it can become more sensitive to touch, making it even harder to manage.
An untreated canker sore can also become infected, leading to more serious health problems. This infection can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain. In some cases, an untreated canker sore can also lead to scarring, which can affect the appearance and function of the mouth.
To prevent these problems, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any signs of a canker sore.
Following the treatment methods outlined below can help reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent future outbreaks. Remember, don’t ignore the pain and discomfort of canker sores, which can become more serious if left untreated.
Treatment
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat canker sores. Here are some effective methods:
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Rinsing your mouth with saltwater helps to cleanse the sore and reduce inflammation.
- Apply a numbing gel or paste to the sore. Numbing pastes provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps avoid irritating the sore.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and salty foods that can irritate the sore. Avoiding spicy, acidic, and salty foods helps to prevent further irritation and pain.
- Apply a damp tea bag to the sore to help reduce inflammation. Applying a damp tea bag to the sore can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Reduce stress. Stress can trigger mouth ulcers in some children and adults.
- See a dentist. If your child’s mouth ulcers are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or swollen glands, it’s important to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Final words
Canker sores can be a real pain, but with these tips, you and your child can find relief.
Remember to watch for symptoms; if left untreated, seek dental treatment to prevent further complications.
With proper care and treatment, canker sores can be managed and prevented.
Call us today to find out how we can help your situation.
- Call us at 509.252.4746
We are proud to serve the people of Spokane, WA, and welcome visitors from the neighboring areas.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores
http://dentistry.about.com/od/basicdentalcare/f/cankertreatment.htm
