Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores

Canker sores can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may be challenging with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. At Hockley Dental, we've put together a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What Do They Look Like?

Canker sores are usually small, round, reddish sores found on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white center.

What Causes Them?

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries, such as biting your lip or cheek, sports injuries, or vigorous brushing. Some people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, which can lead to sores. Certain foods, including chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods, may also trigger canker sores in some individuals. Additionally, a diet deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc can be a contributing factor.

What Can I Do?

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means maintaining your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing routine. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth, but this can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to your dentist in Hockley.

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to your dentist in Hockley. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact Hockley Dental. We look forward to seeing you.