Chicago Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago

Pretty much everyone has experienced a canker sore at least once in their life. They are shallow, painful sores in the mouth that can be irritated by a variety of things. These sores are typically red but they may have a white coating over them. 

Canker sores are located on the inside of the mouth. They can be found on the inside of the lips, the inside of the cheeks, at the base of the gums, or under the tongue. In some instances, they develop when a person accidentally bites the inside of their mouth while chewing.

Fever blisters and canker sores are different. Fever blisters occur on the outside of a person’s mouth rather than the inside like canker sores. While some people can’t remember getting canker sores, everyone can get them. Despite this, women and people in their teens and 20s are more susceptible.

Canker sores may run in families but they are not contagious. Doctors and dentists still do not know the cause of canker sores. They may be triggered by stress, poor nutrition, food allergies, or even menstrual periods in women. In addition to not knowing the causes of canker sores, doctors do not know how to prevent them.

Typically, canker sores go away without any sort of treatment. If they are particularly painful, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can generally take care of the pain. Doctors and dentists alike think that avoiding toothpaste with Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) or other irritating ingredients; avoiding chewing gum; and avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods may all help to lessen irritation but they are not sure.

If you have been afflicted by chronic canker sores that are extremely painful or have some other problem afflicting your mouth, contact Chicago family dentist Dr. Sumeet Bagai at 773-767-1554 to schedule an appointment.