Showing posts with label What are Canker sores?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What are Canker sores?. Show all posts

Sunday, October 13, 2013

What Causes Canker Sores

What Causes Canker Sores

What are Canker Sores?


Canker sores or known in the medical context as aphthous ulcer. It is sometimes confused with cold sores, but the two are very much different. Cold sores are contagious while cankers sores are not. Canker sore is a painful, open inflammation in the oral cavity that has a white membrane surrounded by a reddish rim. They can be single in number or in clusters in the inside of the lips, cheeks and tongue.








Pointing out the exact culprit of canker sores is a difficult task. Not unless an underlying condition can be readily identified, then you can rule out other causes. But sometimes, stress and anxiety are triggering factors. But the most evident cause is tissue injury/trauma. It can be from contact sports or any accidental biting/ scratching of the oral membranes.


Having sharp teeth may also be a cause of abrasions in the mouth thus causing sore formation. The use of dental braces and dentures can inflict trauma if not properly fitted or checked. Drinking an extremely hot beverage or food may be the source of the sore. Another cause is ingesting acidic foods in an abusive manner such as fruits or alcohol. Food allergies trigger reaction that makes the mouth susceptible to ulcerations.


Poor intake of Vitamin C, iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 have supported in the formation of canker sores. These nutrients are highly needed in the proper cell repair and formation. Hormonal changes have been notable to canker sore formation, especially during pregnancy and menopause. The abrupt or in the early stage of smoking cessation can trigger chemical changes in the body thus making the person likely to canker sores.


People undergoing intensive treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy weakens the immune system. Immune-compromised patients such as those with cancer and AIDS have common incidences of mouth sores. The body’s defenses are unguarded thus making a person prone to canker sores. Viral and bacterial infections in the mouth can make you a candidate for canker sore formation.
Canker sores are often a result from autoimmune diseases and other syndrome. The following are the disorders that can initiate canker formation:



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Celiac Disease


This is a disorder making the affected person not tolerant to gluten-rich food. Not having the strict adherence to gluten-free diet can precipitate in the formation of sores. Celiac disease has many symptoms, but one of these is the formation of mouth ulcers. This is a non-specific symptom, but it is widely observed in patients with celiac disease.


Crohn’s Disease


The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not quite known. It is an inflammatory bowel disease that comes to affect the mouth up to the anal area of the affected party. Since the mouth is a part of the digestive system, it is quite involved in such disease. As this disease is linked to unfamiliarity of normal body tissues and substances, the body tends to attack oneself thus inflicting inflammation.


Behcet’s Syndrome


Behcet’s syndrome is a condition wherein there is vascular (linked to blood vessels) damage that often affects the mucous membrane and ocular structure. This condition involves inflammation of various areas of the body, specifically areas that are highly vascular such as the eyes and tissues. The mouth is a part of the integumentary system, thus making it susceptible to painful oral sores and ulcerations.


These are the causes of canker sores and we must know them. In order for us to be far from acquiring such condition is that we have to be health conscious and awareness is a must. Take note, the benefit of a healthy life is longer life.












Canker Sore on Tongue

Canker Sore on Tongue

What are Canker sores?


Canker sores, also referred to as aphthous ulcers, are a problem where ulcers develop on the tongue as well as inside the cheeks, under the gums and on the inner lips. These sores on the tongue are not contagious but they are tremendously painful. They are normally red and might have a coating that is white.








Canker Sore on Tongue Causes


The cause of canker sores developing is unknown but it seems that they tend to run in families. They often develop when any of the following happens:



  • Being tired or over stressed

  • Injury to the tongue with toothpicks, toothbrushes or biting

  • Having a viral infections

  • Heredity

  • Hormonal changes

  • Salty, spicy foods

  • During menstrual cycle for a woman

  • Because of braces on the teeth

  • Having food allergies

  • Drinking or eating foods or juice that have lots of acid

  • Not enough vitamins or minerals in diet such as iron


It is reported that about twenty (20) % of the population – one (1) out of five (5) – individuals have canker sores at any one time. Women are slightly more likely than males to have recurrent cases of canker sores. They can occur at any age, but more commonly in teenagers. Genetic studies report that predisposition to recurrent outbreaks of these sores is inherited in some individuals. This would explain the reason why family members often share this problem.


Canker Sore Types


Canker sores are usually categorized into three (3) groups based on size. These are:


Minor canker sores
Minor sores have a diameter of 1 mm to 10 mm. They are the more common with 80% of all sores being minor and normally last about seven (7) to ten (10) days.


Major canker sores
Major sores accounts for ten (10) percent of canker sore, have a diameter of larger than ten (10) mm as well as taking anywhere between ten (10) to thirty (30) days to heal. They can leave scars after healing.


Herpetiform ulcers
Herpetiform ulcers also accounts for the last ten (10) percent of canker sores and are formed by clusters of multiple small individual sores. They usually heal within seven (7) to ten (10) days.


Canker Sore on Tongue Symptoms


The major symptom of canker sores is a shallow ulcer on the tongue or the inside of the lip or cheek. The sore could be small or large and it usually will have a border that is red and a yellow or white center. There can be more than one canker sore at a time.


These sores normally start with a tingling or burning feeling. They can be swollen as well as painful. Having one makes it hard to eat or talk.


These sores can hurt for seven (7) to ten (10) days. Minor sores heal totally in one (1) to three (3) weeks, but major can often take as much as six (6) weeks to heal. Some individuals develop another canker sore after the first one has healed. Most heal with no scar.
Symptoms include:



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  • One or more red, painful bumps or spots that develop into an open ulcer

  • Middle of sore is yellow or white

  • Normally small – under 1 cm but can be very larger

  • Sore can turn gray prior to beginning to heal


Less common symptoms:



  • Fever

  • General malaise or discomfort

  • Swollen lymph nodes


Often an outbreak that is severe can be accompanied by non-specific symptoms of illness, such as fever.


Canker Sore on Tongue Treatment


Treatment is normally not needed. In the majority of cases, the sores go away on their own.


If an individual has a canker sore, he/she shouldn’t eat spicy or hot foods because it will cause pain. Over-the-counter, mild mouth wash or salty water can help. There are also medications over-the-counter to soothe the area that is painful. These drugs can be applied directly to the sore area of the mouth.


These are also home remedies that can be used – some listed below.


For cases that are severe, prescription medication might be needed. This can include fluocinonide gel (Lidex) or chorhexidine gluconate mouth washes. A powerful anti-inflammatory such as corticosteroids also can be used.


In order to stop bacterial infections from developing, brush and floss teeth regularly as well as get routine dental checkups.


Home Remedies


The best home remedy is to mix half hydrogen peroxide as well as half water. Using a cotton swab apply the mixture directly on the canker sore. After that, dab a small amount of Milk of Magnesia on the canker sore, three (3) to four (4) times a day. This will soothe and might also help the sore heel.


Another good home remedy is to mix half Milk of Magnesia and half Benadryl liquid. Swish this in your mouth for approximately 1 minute, and then spit out.









Canker Sore on Tongue Pictures


canker sore on tongue pictures

canker sore on tongue pictures