What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are sometimes called Aphthous Ulcers are painful white ulcers that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth. These lesions appear most often on the side of your tongue, inside the cheeks, and inside the lip.  They do cause pain and may make it difficult to speak and eat at times. Canker sores are not contagious like cold sores, but they often recur in some people.

What Causes Canker Sores

No one is certain what cause canker sores, but there are several factors in combination that can contribute to outbreaks multiple times.

• Mouth injury from dental work,  sports, accidental cheek bite, or brushing your teeth

• A diet lacking in vitamin B-12 or  iron

• Hormonal shifts during menstruation

• Emotional stress

• Food sensitivities: highly acidic or spicy foods

• Faulty immune system

Anyone can develop canker sores. But they most often occur in teens and young adults, and they’re more common in females. Call your dentist for an appointment if you have unusually large canker sores, recurring sores that develop before old ones heal, frequent outbreaks, or sores that last longer than two weeks. 

I hope this Tooth Talk has helped and if you have questions call or email me at Integrity Dental Care, PLLC (615) 445-8700 or email dr.jmitchell@integritydentalcares.com with any questions you may have.