A canker sore is essentially an open ulcer (or lesion) on the surface of the mouth, which makes eating and talking very uncomfortable
They are also called oral ulcers. These can appear anywhere on the tongue but most commonly on the inside corners of the mouth. They generally occur at least three to four times per year.
They are usually less than 1 mm in diameter and heal within a few days without scarring. Some minor sores also become red and irritated for weeks and months after they heal. These symptoms can be quite unpleasant and sometimes even painful. This can sometimes be mistaken for a gum infection and will require immediate medical attention.
The sores are not contagious, but can be spread through oral secretions from an infected site. Oral infections caused by bacteria and fungi can also cause ulcers. It is important to remember, however, that these types of infections do not always lead to ulcers or pain. In some cases, a sore may form, which will later disappear on its own. In other cases, they can grow in size and become painful if left untreated.
In most cases, the ulcers will go away on their own, but they can recur in another area of the mouth. Relapses are usually associated with increased pressure around the ulcer. This can be caused by eating too much spicy or greasy food, chewing tobacco, or sucking on hard objects, which can put additional pressure on the wound. In some cases, ulcers may not heal until the next dentist visit, or they may heal too late because they were not treated when they first appeared.
If you notice a new ulcer on your teeth, you should see your dentist immediately for treatment. He or she can use a dental probe to take an assessment sample and send it to a laboratory for testing. For many types of cancer, a biopsy is done to confirm that the affected area is infected. Once confirmed, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the ulcer. Find out more detailed information on how to treat ulcers at Obat KLG.
Pain treatment is usually not successful if it is not done correctly. Often, patients try to heal the wound on their own, which ultimately only exacerbates the situation. When self-treating an ulcer, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and only use products that are intended to treat an ulcer, rather than trying to heal yourself.
It's important to not scratch the sore while it is healing because this will increase the chance for infection. It's also important to never try to squeeze the sore or otherwise irritate it. Use sterile hands to gently clean the sore with a Q-tip or other cotton swab.
While many people use antibacterial mouthwashes or medications as a home canker sore treatment, many prefer to use over the counter medications to help relieve the pain and swelling. Antibiotics may be necessary to remove the sore. If you notice that the sore isn't healing or has become extremely painful, see a doctor for further treatment.
The first step in treating canker is to determine if you are infected. You can do this by taking a look at the toothbrush bristles. If you notice anything unusual about the bristles that indicate an infection, be sure to contact your dentist immediately. The best way to tell if you have an infection is if you experience a fever, swollen glands or a change in the appearance of the sore. Some people even report seeing small bumps in their mouth as a result of an infection.
There are many over the counter antibacterial mouthwashes and creams that are helpful to treat a sore. These mouthwashes work by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation and swelling. They can be used in place of antiseptic mouthwash to prevent further bacteria from being spread around the mouth.
Mouthwashes can sometimes have a strong odor, which is normal. In addition, they can contain alcohol as a disinfectant, which can cause irritation. Be careful to keep your mouth dry after using antibacterial mouthwashes because dry mouth can result in further irritation.
If you use over the counter products to treat a sore, remember to always follow the directions on the label of the product to avoid irritation of the mouth or tooth. You should also follow the same precautions as for any other mouth infection. Follow all instructions for treating canker sore. If your condition does not improve, see your dentist for advice on a course of oral treatment.