Canker Sores, Symptoms & Home Remedies for Canker Sores Treatment
Canker Sore is a small mouth ulcer that is often painful and sensitive. It can occur on different parts of the mouth such as tongue, linings of the mouth, gums and even lips. Medically known as aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis, it starts as a reddish swelling that burst and raptures the membrane; it usually takes 2 weeks to heal.
Canker sores are classified into 3 general groups:
- Minor Sore - This is the most common canker sore. It is smaller in nature; about 1-10 millimeters in diameter and takes 7-10 days to heal.
- Major Sore - This is a bigger sore that measures more than 10 millimeter and leaves scar when it heals. It usually takes 10-30 days to heal.
- Herpetiform ulcers - This is a cluster of small sores that measures 3 millimeters. It heals within a week.
Causes, Symptoms and Prevalence of Canker Sores
Canker sore is more common to female patients, rather than males. It can be acquired at any age, but mostly common during teenage years. Studies also show that recurrent canker sore outbreak can be cause by hereditary factors.
Canker sores can also be caused by excessive oral cleaning. It can also be elicited if the patient has emotional stress. If the patient lacks minerals and vitamins especially vitamin B12, iron and folic acid, they are more likely to have canker sore.
It can also be caused by hormonal changes, especially in females if they have their menstruation. May also be caused by improper food intake; may also be secondary to a certain mouth condition and can be caused by viral infections.
The most common cause is physical trauma in the mouth; for example accidental biting or toothbrush abrasion that causes membrane to break. The patient may notice a burning and tingling sensation at the affected area. In some instance, the patient may experience fever and discomfort in eating or drinking.
Home Remedies for Canker Sores
Canker sore usually heals within a week or so, but you can hasten this process by using simple home remedies. You can place ice cubes in the affected area to lessen the sting and burning sensation. Using diluted hydrogen peroxide as mouth wash is also proven effective in treating canker sore. You can also apply alum or baking powder directly to the blister; it will help in removing bacteria thus makes the sore heals faster.
You can also use herbs and other fruits and vegetables to treat canker sore. Commonly use and most effective is the onion bulb; just simply apply raw onion slices directly to the affected area. You may also dilute 5-6 drops of grapefruit seed extract or plum juice with water and use it as mouth wash twice a day. You may also eat papaya fruits or chew papaya leaves.
The patient may also swish Mylanta or milk around the affected area because the Mylanta or magnesia milk can coat the canker sore. Applying tea bag directly to the affected are may also be useful and helpful in treating canker sore.
Patient suffering from canker sore are advice to avoid spicy and acidic foods as well as chips for it can only worsen the blister. Smoking and drinking alcohol is also prohibited.
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