Canker sores are tiny, painful ulcers that can form inside your mouth. While they’re not dangerous, they can be pretty painful. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about canker sores, including how to prevent and treat them.
How to Recognize a Canker Sore on Your Tonsil
Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are tiny, painful sores that form inside your mouth. They can appear on the roof of your mouth, cheeks, gums, or tonsils.
While anyone can get a canker sore, they’re most common in people with a history of them.
There’s no sure-fire way to prevent canker sores, but some things that may help include: avoiding acidic or spicy foods, not biting your lip or cheek, and using a soft toothbrush.
Causes
Do you get pesky canker sores that always seem to show up at the worst times? You’re not alone. Though the cause is still unknown, a few things are known to trigger them. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Acidic or spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, eggs, strawberries, nuts, and cheese can all be sensitivities that trigger canker sores in some people.
Emotional stress is another common factor. Minor mouth injuries, such as dental work or biting your cheek, can also cause them. Mouthwashes and toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate can be a problem too. Viral infections and certain bacteria in the mouth have also been linked to canker sore development. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation are another possible trigger for some women. And lastly, nutritional deficiencies like iron, zinc, folate, or vitamin B-12 can play a role.
A few medical conditions have also been linked to an increased risk of developing canker sores, like celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Behcet’s disease and HIV/AIDS also cause them in some people.
Though anyone can develop a canker sore, they’re more common in young adults and females than males. Family history also appears to play a role in why some people get recurrent canker sores.
How to treat ulcers on tonsil
Ulcers on the tonsils are a common problem, but they can be treated in various ways. In many cases, the ulcer will heal independently with time and rest. However, if the ulcer is causing pain or is making it difficult to eat or drink, some steps can be taken to help speed healing and make the person more comfortable.
1. Mouth rinse with salt water
One option is to rinse the mouth with warm salt water several times daily. This will help to soothe the area and keep it clean.
2. Otc meds
Another option is to take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
You can try rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide several times a day
4. Go to your doctor
If the ulcer is very sore, a doctor may prescribe a topical ointment or steroid injection to help reduce swelling.
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and avoid foods and drinks known to cause them, such as citrus fruits and acidic beverages. If you get a canker sore, treat it as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort and speed up healing.
When to see doctor/dentist
Canker sores can be a pain, but they don’t last forever! If you’ve just developed a canker sore, we know you’re probably already itching to get back to the foods and drinks you love! So hang in there!
However, if you’re also experiencing a sore throat, that may be a sign of something more severe, and you should see a dental or medical professional. Canker sores usually go away within a week with some at-home remedies, but it’s best to give your throat time to rest by avoiding spicy or acidic foods and drinks. If your sore throat persists, see a doctor to get checked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can drinking hot water cause ulcers in tonsils?
It’s unlikely that drinking hot water would cause ulcers on the tonsils, but it’s possible. You should see a doctor or dentist if you experience pain or discomfort after drinking hot water.
What is the difference between a canker sore and an ulcer?
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form inside the mouth. They’re usually white or yellow and have a red border. On the other hand, ulcers are open wounds that can form on any surface of the body. In most cases, they’re caused by infection or trauma.
How long does a canker sore on the tonsil last?
Canker sores usually go away within a week with some at-home remedies, but it’s best to give your throat time to rest by avoiding spicy or acidic foods and drinks. Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution can also help speed up healing. If your sore throat persists, see a doctor to get checked out.
