If you’ve ever dealt with a mouth sore, you know how painful it can be. They’re also known as canker sores, which can become an ulcerous patch if not treated promptly. Many people think that mouth sores come and go and aren’t a cause for concern. While this might be true sometimes, you should never ignore them.
But how and why do canker sores or mouth ulcers develop? Is there a link between them and poor oral health? And how can you prevent them?
In this blog, highly renowned and experienced general dentistry experts in Brooklyn have discussed the relationship between mouth sores and ulcers and oral health. Continue reading to learn more about that:
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are like pimples that can develop inside your mouth across the gums, cheek, the base of your tongue, or lips. They aren’t contagious and as painful as ulcers. However, canker sores can be very painful and compromise your eating and drinking comfort.
Canker sores are further divided into simple and complex types. The former lasts a few days to a week, whereas more complex sores can take more than a few weeks to heal. Canker sores are usually less than one centimeter in diameter. They can also develop in the form of clusters known as Herpetiform that can take longer to heal.
What Are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are similar to a canker sore but are more advanced and painful. They’re like lesions that can affect your mouth muscles and cause severe inflammation and redness. While mouth ulcers are quite common, they should be treated right away.
Just like canker sores, a mouth ulcer can be short or long-term. They usually occur due to a condition called Aphthous Stomatitis, which is a recurrent and idiopathic ailment. People with underlying chronic conditions and weak immune systems are at a higher risk of developing Aphthous Stomatitis.
Common Causes of Mouth Ulcers and Canker Sores
Yes, poor oral health can cause mouth sores and ulcers. However, many other risk factors can increase your vulnerability;
Stress and Trauma
People dealing with stress and trauma tend to grind their teeth and unintentionally bite the inside of their mouths. This recurrent act can lead to mouth sores due to friction and inflammation. Canker sores can also develop on your tongue due to a sudden crossbite.
Moreover, stress can alter your immune system and hormone levels making you more prone to developing canker sores.
Virus or Bacteria
Canker sores can also develop as a result of viral or bacterial infections. Viral infections can range from regular flu to more severe forms of illnesses such as Hay fever. Whereas bacterial germs from dental infections and gum soreness can result in sores inside your mouth.
Medical experts also say that a virus known as Herpes Simplex can cause mouth sores and ulcers. If you’re noticing rapid canker sore development and worsening, talk to a doctor immediately.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Your oral health plays a pivotal role in determining the likelihood of canker sore and mouth ulcer risks. People who do not brush their teeth regularly or delay dental checkups are susceptible to plaque and tartar accumulation. This ultimately results in bacterial excretions inside the mouth that can mix with food and saliva and travel down your body.
Bacteria from plaque buildup is a common cause of mouth sores and ulcers and, therefore, should be cleaned and removed to prevent more severe mouth ulcers.
Poor Health Implications That Cause Mouth Sores and Ulcers
Poor oral health doesn’t only mean dirty and discolored teeth. Several medical ailments, such as periodontitis and tooth decay can compromise ral health. They can lead to mouth sores and ulcers by altering saliva pH values and increasing dentin sensitivity.
Canker sores can develop due to the scratch and friction caused by braces and dentures. Moreover, piercings on the tongue or lips can cause sores, ulcers, and oral tissue inflammation.
Possible Treatments of Canker Sores
You can visit NY Dental Boutique to receive effective canker sore treatments in the office. Their dental experts can perform laser treatment and debacterol (chemical cautery). There are also OTC methods like canker cover and different ointments and gels, however, we recommend you consult a professional before self-medicating.
NY Dental Boutique—A Complete Family Dental Clinic in Brooklyn
NY Dental Boutique is a renowned cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry clinic in Brooklyn, NY. Their dental experts are qualified and well-versed in the latest oral care tools and techniques. You can get their holistic range of dental services, such as at-home teeth whitening, emergency dentistry, and dental screenings, at affordable prices.
So stop delaying your dental checkups and visit NY Dental Boutique for a quick screening! Call their team today for more details.