About Canker Sores - What are they?
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis, are small painful lesions that appear on the oral mucosa, including the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue and non-keratinized area of the gums. These ulcers usually have a white or yellowish color with reddish edges. Although they are benign and not contagious, they can cause great discomfort, especially when eating or speaking.
Canker sores can be classified into three types:
Minor canker sores
They are the most common, accounting for around 80% of cases. They are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and heal within two weeks without leaving scars.
Major canker sores
These lesions are less frequent, larger than 1 cm and can take several weeks to disappear, leaving scars.
Herpetiform aphthae
Although the name suggests a relationship with the herpes virus, they are not caused by it. They appear as multiple small ulcers that can cluster together, causing intense pain.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
Pain and Discomfort
The presence of pain is one of the most obvious signs of canker sores, which intensifies when acidic, spicy or very hot foods are consumed. The pain can vary in intensity depending on the size and location of the lesion.
Small Circular or Oval Lesions
Generally smaller than 1cm, these ulcers appear singly or in groups, depending on their severity. Herpetiform canker sores, for example, can present multiple lesions that merge together.
Redness around the Lesions
The edges often have a reddish color, indicating inflammation in the affected area. This sign is particularly visible in larger lesions.
Difficulty Eating and Speaking
The discomfort caused can make it difficult to chew and articulate words, especially if the lesions are in mobile areas of the mouth, such as the tongue or lips.
Local Swelling
In some cases, there may be slight swelling around the cold sore, aggravating the discomfort. This swelling can interfere with mobility in the affected area.
Available Treatments
Although they usually disappear without treatment in 7 to 14 days, there are therapies that help relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process. Options include:
Oral Hygiene Care
Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is essential. Using soft toothbrushes and choosing toothpastes without sodium lauryl sulfate can reduce irritation and the risk of new lesions. Gentle mouthwashes can also help keep the mouth clean without causing discomfort.
Application of topical ointment or gel
Products with local anesthetics (such as lidocaine) or anti-inflammatory agents help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some formulas include topical corticosteroids for more severe cases. There are also gel preparations on the market which, when applied, form a physical barrier to reduce discomfort and, thanks to certain components, speed up the healing of the ulcerated area.
Proper diet
Avoiding acidic, spicy and very hot foods can help minimize discomfort when eating. Soft foods are preferable during the healing period. Adequate hydration is also important to promote the general health of the oral mucosa.
Systemic treatments
In severe or recurrent cases and under medical prescription, the use of drugs such as corticosteroids or immunomodulators may be necessary. Nutritional supplements such as iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid may be indicated if there is a proven deficiency.
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FAQ's
1. Are canker sores contagious?
No, they are not caused by viral or bacterial infections and are considered non-contagious. They originate from local inflammatory or immunological processes.
2. What causes canker sores?
The causes are not fully understood, but factors such as stress, diet, hormonal changes, immune alterations, nutritional deficiencies, local trauma, genetic predisposition and autoimmune diseases can contribute to its appearance.
3. What differentiates a cold sore from other mouth lesions?
Canker sores are usually smaller, round or oval, with a whitish central area and reddish edges. Other conditions, such as cold sores, have different characteristics, such as appearing outside the mouth and being contagious. Unlike other ulcerated lesions, canker sores remit after 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Is there a link between canker sores and food?
Yes. Acidic, spicy or hard foods can irritate the oral mucosa, favoring the appearance in predisposed people. Chocolate, certain nuts and some more acidic fruits are also associated with a greater likelihood of lesions appearing. On the other hand, a nutritionally deficient diet can increase the risk of recurrence.
5. When should I see a dentist?
If canker sores persist for more than two weeks, are very large, extremely painful or are associated with other systemic symptoms, it is essential to see a dentist or specialist.
6. Can children get canker sores?
Yes, children can also get canker sores, especially in situations of stress, trauma to the mouth or nutritional deficiencies.
7. Can canker sores be a symptom of another disease?
In some cases, they may be associated with systemic conditions such as Crohn's disease, lupus or celiac disease. If they are frequent, a more detailed examination may be necessary.
8. Does stress really influence the appearance of canker sores?
Yes, stress is one of the most common factors associated with their appearance, as it can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to the appearance of these lesions.
9. Is there prevention for canker sores?
Although it's not possible to completely prevent its appearance, measures such as maintaining a balanced diet, reducing stress and avoiding trauma to the oral mucosa can reduce its frequency.
10. Is it normal to get canker sores very often?
No. Frequent recurrence of canker sores may indicate an underlying condition, such as nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune diseases. In this case, it is important to consult a specialist for a detailed assessment.
11. Can pregnancy increase the risk of canker sores?
Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the oral mucosa more sensitive, increasing the predisposition to onset.
12. Can drinking enough water help prevent canker sores?
Yes, staying hydrated contributes to the health of the oral mucosa and can help prevent canker sores in people who are predisposed to them.
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