Battling Your Family’s Canker Sores

We know that canker sores can be uncomfortable and painful. They can make it difficult and annoying to eat and speak. Fortunately there are a few ways you can fight back against canker sores!

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are small ulcers found on the soft tissues inside the mouth. They appear as small, red, sores. Canker sores are the most common on the insides of the cheeks and lips, but can also occur on the gums, throat, or tongue. Most people will only suffer from simple canker sores, which will emerge 4-5 times a year and last about a weak. Others suffer from complex canker sores, which can be a sign of a more serious health issues. Because of this, it’s important to let your dentist or orthodontist know if you suffer from frequent canker sores.

Causes of Canker Sores

Some of the most common causes of canker sores include:

• Stress and hormones
• Injuries to the mouth
• Food allergies
• Brushing too vigorously
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Eating too much spicy, acidic, or salty foods

Canker sores are unpleasant, but there are ways to treat the symptoms.

Canker Sore Treatments

• Prescription mouthwash
• Antimicrobial mouth rinse
• Over-the-counter medicines like Orajel or Camphor
• Antibiotics

Sometimes ill-fitting braces can be the cause of canker sores. If you believe your braces are causing canker sores, please contact Lockett Orthodontics at our Colorado Springs, CO office. It’s important to us that you’re comfortable during your orthodontic treatment.