I remember when braces rubbing the inside of my mouth caused those small painful craterlike ulcers. They usually can occur by themselves or in patches of up to 10 ulcers in the inside of your mouth. They do not segregate as they can occur on your tongue, inside your cheeks or on your gumline.
Usually yellow with red borders, they can sometimes look slightly pale gray. They can appear without warning, but often sensations of burning preceed where ulcers eventually appear.
Increased stress, trauma, hereditary, and immune system compromise can all cause canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers. Although we don't know for certain what can cause them, they are thought to be caused by deficiencies in some vitamins like iron, folic acid, and B12. The most common link we often blame is high levels of stress, although there is no scientific proof. Recent studies point to food allergies as a possible cause, but the proof is limited.
Doctors can treat canker sores with a variety of medications. Clobetasol gel, lidocaine gel, hydrogen peroxide or glycerin mouthwashes, diphenhydramine gels, or antibiotics can be used.
Alternative therapy includes home remedies containing mouth rinsing with hydrogen peroxide (2oz) with water (2oz) and 1 tsp each of salt and baking soda. Milk of magnesia mouthwashes help. Chlorhexidine, a pain reliever, is sometimes in mouthwashes that help. Using tea bags to cover the ulcer can relieve pain secondary to the tannins in the tea leaves. Over the counter salves containing glycerin and peroxide also can help.
If you have severe pain that doesn't go away you can go see a doctor. If they remain after 14 days, a serious medical condition may exist, or if persistent multiple ulcers remain, go to a doctor immediately. Hope all this helps and Happy Holidays!
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