Annoying canker sores
Canker sores are mouth ulcers that cause discomfort and pain when eating, speaking, or brushing teeth. They are very common, usually less than 1 cm in diameter, and heal on their own in one or two weeks. They are not contagious, and although they are often associated with poor oral hygiene, this is not always the case. They can be caused by trauma, biting, orthodontics, allergies, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, menopause, puberty, or andropause, excess cortisol, stress, nutritional deficiencies, immune or genetic diseases that run in families, or be associated with the consumption of chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, etc.
There are three types of canker sores: minor, major, and herpetiform. Major canker sores are recurrent, deep, painful, slow to resolve, single or multiple, leave scars, and can become secondarily infected. They may be accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, and malaise (Sutton's disease).
Canker sores should be evaluated by a doctor when they are larger, when more than 6 outbreaks occur per year, or when they spread to the lips.
Canker sores can be a symptom of systemic diseases and are associated with other conditions such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, vitamin deficiencies, or immunodeficiencies resulting from debilitating illnesses like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or medications (chemotherapy). They can also be associated with other skin and mucous membrane lesions, such as genital ulcers.
The treatment should be designed individually according to the associated pathology or particularities of the patient, it should seek the relief of local symptoms through the use of topicals and mouthwashes, or home products such as chamomile water or salt, milk of magnesia, ice, avoiding products that are aggressive to the mucous membranes.
Avoid stress, maintain a balanced diet, consume omega-3 fatty acids, stay well-hydrated and practice good oral hygiene, and avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods. Specific treatment will depend on the underlying condition.
Dr. Lucia M. Gonçalves Jardim
Internal Medicine Physician.
Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Email: luciamgoncalvesj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351 939 056 458