Canker sores are a common problem, and they can be pretty painful. While there are many possible causes, some people find that their canker sore is not going away. In such cases, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Why is my canker sore not going away?
Canker sores are one of the most common mouth ulcers, affecting an estimated 20% of the population. They usually form on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue and are painful and can make it difficult to eat or speak. While there is no one definitive cause of canker sores, they can be caused by some factors, including:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation
- food allergies or sensitivities
- Poor dental hygiene
- Acidic foods
- A lack of vitamin B12 or iron
If you are experiencing canker sores that are not going away, you must see a dentist or doctor determine the underlying cause and receive treatment. In some cases, canker sores may signify a more severe condition, such as a vitamin deficiency or oral cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to have any persistent mouth ulcers checked out by a medical professional.
A number of home remedies can help speed up the healing process of canker sores and provide relief from pain.
These include:
- Applying a topical cream or ointment, such as lidocaine or benzocaine
- Rinse the mouth with a saltwater solution
- Apply a cold compress to the sore
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or hard foods that may irritate the sore
- Eat soft foods and avoid crunchy foods that may tear the sore
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Following these tips, you should see your canker sore start to heal within a week. If it does not, or if you develop new symptoms, be sure to see a doctor or dentist determine the underlying cause.
Canker sore not healing? Here is what you should do!
If you are one of the 20% of people who suffer from canker sores, you know that they can be painful and make it difficult to eat or speak. While there is no definitive cause of canker sores, they can be caused by several factors, including stress, hormonal changes, food allergies or sensitivities, poor dental hygiene, acidic foods, or a lack of vitamin B12 or iron.
In some cases, canker sores may signify a more severe condition, such as a vitamin deficiency or oral cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to have any persistent mouth ulcers checked out by a medical professional.
A number of home remedies can help speed up the healing process of canker sores and provide relief from pain. These include: applying a topical cream or ointment, rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution, applying a cold compress to the sore, avoiding spicy, acidic, or hard foods that may irritate the sore, eating soft foods, taking over-the-counter pain medication, or using a dental numbing gel.
Following these tips, you should see your canker sore start to heal within a week. If it does not, or if you develop new symptoms, be sure to see a doctor or dentist determine the underlying cause.
Why do canker sores keep coming back?
Can recurrent canker sores be a sign of an underlying health condition? It’s possible.
Some potential causes of recurrent canker sores include:
- Viral infections like cold sore virus or chickenpox
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Crohn’s disease
- Coeliac disease
- Weakened immune system result from HIV or lupus
- Reactive arthritis
If you’re experiencing recurrent canker sores, paying attention to your oral health routine and the foods you eat is essential. Consulting your doctor or dentist may be necessary if you can’t determine the cause of your sores.
Underlying health conditions aren’t the only potential cause of recurrent canker sores. Some medicines, such as beta-blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can also trigger them.
If you’re dealing with recurrent canker sores, you can take steps to manage them. Keep an eye on your oral health and diet, and talk to your doctor if the sores become a persistent problem.
Conclusion
Canker sores are a common condition that can be painful and disruptive. A number of home remedies can help speed up the healing process and provide relief from pain.
