What are canker sores
Aphthae are small ulcerations of the oral mucosa, caused by inflammation. This, in turn, damages the epithelium (tissue that lines the mucosa), exposing the underlying connective tissue to external agents. How canker sores are made
Aphthae or aphthous ulcers are classified into three main forms.
- Minor canker sores (about 4 mm in diameter)
- Major canker sores (up to 1 cm in diameter)
- Herpes canker sores (smaller but grouped)
The first are the most classic: rounded or oval shape, outlined edges, whitish central area, reddish erythema all around.
The latter are larger. They are more typical of childhood.
The latter are characterized by a morphology similar to herpes simplex ulcerations. They are more characteristic in the adult. What are the symptoms of canker sores in the mouth
The canker sores in the mouth are characterized by some typical symptoms: during their formation they are preceded by burning or tingling. Shortly thereafter, a blister appears. When this bursts, here they appear
- More or less severe pain, especially if they are touched (food, drink, toothbrush, tongue, etc.)
- Burning
The cause of these two symptoms is the exposure to external connective tissue agents produced by open ulceration. What are the causes of canker sores
Medicine today does not recognize a certain cause of canker sores. However, some possible triggers are speculated.
- Immunological activity
- Stress (physical and mental)
- Local trauma (orthodontic appliances, dental work, accidental bites, etc.)
- Intolerance to certain foods
- Allergy
- Intestinal inflammation
- Nutritional deficiencies and avitaminosis
- Smoke
- Alcohol
- Hereditary factors
- Possible underlying systemic disease
What are the treatments for canker sores
There are several ways to treat canker sores. Generally, especially if they are of the “minor” type, they heal on their own within a couple of weeks or so. However, there may be more difficult or recurring cases. However, there are remedies that accelerate healing and help relieve discomfort (pain, burning).
Among the traditional remedies there are
- Anesthetics
- Antiseptics
- Low-dose cortisone drugs
- Medicines based on hyaluronic acid
- In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, for example those based on tetracyclines.
Among the natural remedies there are aloe gel. To be applied locally to soothe pain and promote healing. Licorice . Pure licorice juice promotes healing. Suck a few pieces during the day. Propolis . This substance produced by bees has good antibacterial and disinfectant properties. It soothes inflammation and promotes healing. It is applied locally. Vitamin C. Supplementing this vitamin helps speed up healing. Salt . A solution of water and salt to make oral rinses disinfects and promotes the healing of canker sores. A teaspoon in a glass of warm water is enough. Bicarbonate.Like salt, baking soda can be used to make mouthwashes. Same doses of salt. Mallow . An infusion of mallow used for mouth rinses helps relieve pain and calm inflammation. Witch hazel. It is used in the same way as mallow. It can also be used together. Tea tree . Tea tree essential oil is a good antiseptic and antifungal. It can be applied, diluted in a little vegetable oil, directly on the ulcer. Hydrogen peroxide . Even hydrogen peroxide can be used to anti-inflammation and promote healing. It is applied directly on the ulcer with a cotton swab.
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