Canker Sores: Common Triggers and Remedies
Small, sore, and stubborn: here is what usually sets off canker sores, how to calm them down, and when to have one looked at.
Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that form on the soft tissue inside the mouth, usually with a white or yellow center and a red border. They are not contagious, and most heal on their own within one to two weeks, but they can make eating and talking uncomfortable in the meantime.
Common Triggers
- Acidic foods such as citrus, pineapple, tomatoes, and strawberries
- Minor injuries from biting your cheek or lip, or brushing too hard
- Stress and illness, which both strain the immune system
- Braces or poorly fitting dentures rubbing against the cheeks or gums
- Sodium lauryl sulfate, a foaming ingredient in many toothpastes, in people who are sensitive to it
Easing the Discomfort
- Apply an over-the-counter numbing or protective gel
- Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, following the label
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods until it heals
- Brush with a soft-bristled brush and an SLS-free toothpaste
When to Have It Checked
Call us if a sore is unusually large, lasts longer than two weeks, keeps coming back, or comes with fever. Any sore, patch, or lump that does not heal should be examined, which is part of the oral cancer screening we do at every checkup. If braces or a denture seem to be the cause, we can adjust the fit. Contact us with any concerns.