Canker sores can be nothing more than an irritation but to many people they can be incredibly painful and make eating and drinking difficult. A canker sore usually heals itself and will go away in about 2 weeks or less. If they last longer or you continue to get canker sores you will need to meet with a Utah dentist to see if there is an underlying problem that is causing the canker sores to occur.

What Causes Canker Sores?

While most canker sores are nothing more than an annoyance, a complex canker sore is often a sign that some of the foods you are eating may include things that your body is allergic to. It can also indicate a problem with your stomach and other digestive organs. Stress is another thing that will cause canker sores in children. Some dental procedures may cause them as well.

Biting your cheek accidentally or your tongue can cause canker sores as well. Increasing your intake of folic acid, iron, and Vitamin b-12 have been shown to prevent the canker sores from getting worse. Typical signs of a canker sore include the following;

• Painful sore with a white or red ring around it.

• Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth

If you have additional symptoms like a fever or swollen lymph nodes you need to seek immediate medical treatment. Antibiotic treatment will help to kill the infection before it gets worse and starts to spread to other lymph nodes.

You Dentist may place you on an antimicrobial mouthwash that is used to neutralize the pain and eliminate the canker sores. They may also suggest dietary changes that can reduce the amount of acidic foods you are eating that could be leading to pain and irritation and canker sores in general.