What you need to know about canker sores: causes, symptoms and treatment

The wounds and sores that appear in our mouths are not usually alarming health problems, but they can be painful and annoying. In addition, not all are the same, and it is convenient to differentiate them to know how to treat them. In this article, we explain what canker sores are, how to recognize them, how to treat them and how to distinguish them from other oral lesions. What is a canker sore? A canker sore is a small ulcer that can appear on the inside of the cheeks or lips, on the tongue, palate, or gums. Its appearance is that of a reddish and inflamed circle with a whitish or yellowish center. They are usually painful. Causes of canker sores There are different reasons why we can suffer a canker sore. -Mechanical: a bite, the rubbing of a dental appliance, too aggressive dental cleaning... -Viral: a canker sore can be a manifestation of infection by different viruses. It's not called thrush when it's the result of the herpes virus, which gives rise to slightly different sores (we'll explain those differences later). -Alterations of the immune system, such as some food allergies, can result in the appearance of thrush. -The use of some drugs can also cause these wounds in the mouth. Some canker sores are of unknown origin. In addition to these causes, there are some situations that make people more predisposed to suffer them. For example, a drop in defenses as a result of stress, a lack of some minerals or vitamins, such as iron or B12, or hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. How to treat a canker sore In most cases, canker sores do not require specific treatment, but evolve and usually disappear in a couple of weeks (the pain lasts only the first few days). Yes, some things can be done to promote healing and prevent them from hurting more than necessary. For example, rinsing with water and a little salt can help them heal faster, and avoiding very hot and highly acidic foods (citrus fruits and vinegar, for example) can prevent unnecessary itching. How are canker sores different from herpes? Herpes and a canker sore are not the same types of wound. Differentiating them is important to treat them properly. To begin with, herpes is extremely contagious, while canker sores almost never are, so knowing the type of oral injury we suffer is important to take or not take measures to prevent contagion to other people. In addition, canker sores usually occur inside the mouth, while herpes arises on the lips and corners, on the outside of the mouth. There they form a crust that can have a reddish or more yellowish color and that is usually treated with ointments or dressings, unlike canker sores that, as we have already said, do not have a specific treatment. In Vitoria | Everything you need to know about herpes Share FACEBOOK TWITTER FLIPBOARD E-MAIL HERPES MOUTH WOUNDS. Thanks so much ok sir please like me too.