Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)
Ulcers in the mouth are quite common especially in children and young adults. Probably the most common is the Aphthous Ulcer otherwise known as a canker sore. We really don't know what causes them, but stress of various kinds can bring them on. Even if small they are quite uncomfortable. They tend to occur on the soft mucosa inside the lips or just beyond the gum tissues. There really is no cure, but they will go away on their own in about 10 to 14 days. These ulcers look like a small white spot surrounded by a red area. Any treatments are generally to reduce the discomfort. Possible over the counter treatments include baby oragel, tannic acid (Zilactin), Orabase-B ("B" for Benzocaine), Anbesol, etc.
Prescription medications my include anti-inflammatory medications such as Kenalog in orabase, or soothing mouth rinses for comfort. One I use a lot for really bad cases is a mixture of Benedryl liquid, viscous xylocaine, and maalox, all mixed together. Seems to help in some cases when there are multiple lesions. I have even seen some people use silver nitrate sticks to basically burn the lesions-hurts a lot at first but some say it helps the pain. ( I don't recommend this). As with all lesions a proper diagnosis is very important. You have to determine if it is something else. One basic guideline is, if it doesn't go away in 2 weeks, you get suspicious of other things.Labels: Dental Development and Pathology
posted by Dr. Dean Brandon @ 5:53 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
what if you have been on a different prescriptions and you are on piroxicam and you develop a canker sore is it best to treat it over the counter or let your dentist look at it.
I cannot say, but it is always good to get something checked out.
is a cold sore and a canker sore the same thing
Oh, I'm glad you asked that:
A cold sore and a canker sore are not the same thing or not at least as most people use the terms.
A Fever Blister or cold sore(on the lip) is a viral thing, not the same thing. Link: Cold Sore/Mayo Clinic
Think of it this way: if it is on the lip, it's a fever blister/cold sore. If it is inside the mouth, like in the picture and just basically hurts, it's an aphthous ulcer or canker sore.
I have suffered for many years(15-ish) with some very painful reoccuring canker sores on both the gums and under the tongue. My gen. pract. suggested Biotene toothpaste, and plain yogurt to reduce acid. It has worked for me, however the only drawback was drymouth so I have cut back on how much I use It(the toothpaste). I havent had any sore in almost 2 years. I also wanted to say that I am thankful for your site as I have read some very healpful comments regarding stainless steel crowns as my 7 year old just had that done. Thanks again.
Is it possible i guess to get a canker sore anywhere in your mouth even at the very back of your mouth
My daughter has been getting recurrent aphthous ulcers ever since she was three and she is almost 12 now. When she gets them she gets several all around the mouth and they are very painful and can get quite large. She seems to have an episode every few months. Sometimes she gets a swollen lymph node on her right jaw. Is this something I should be worried about?
My 9-year old daughter and I both suffered from frequent outbreaks of canker sores.They were so painful and I read that using a toothpaste that does not contain sodium laurel sulfate helps.I went online and odered some and ever since,we have not had any sores in our mouths.Also,Wal-mart sells toothpaste that does not have SLS or floride in it and my daughter has been using that successfully for years.No sores!!!!!
Post a Comment
<< Home