BLOG What are Dental Aphthas? - Nakeji Dental Clinic

WHAT ARE CANKER SORES?

Have you ever heard the term ''canker sores''? Known as burns or sores, these are generated in the mucosa of our mouth.

They occur commonly and are not risky, however, they cause discomfort and pain. In this blog we will talk about their symptoms, causes and how they can be treated.

What are canker sores?

From the Greek term ''.Aphtay'', means burn. It is a liquid lesion located in the dental epithelium, which does not leave a scar. They appear inside the mobile bocal mucosa, that is, inside the cheeks and lips, at the base of the gums and the dorsum of the tongue.

Canker sores do not have serious consequences, however, it is important to see your doctor when the pain and discomfort is already intolerable.

What are the symptoms?

The signs of these burns depend on their size and location. Here are the most known ones:

Burning or itching.
Redness and swelling in the injured area.
Impaired speech, eating and drinking.
Pain in the affected area.

Causes of Aphthous ulcers

There is no specific cause for this condition, however, there are several factors that can trigger the development of canker sores:

Biting the lips or tongue.
Stress and anxiety.
Lack of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Bacterial infections.

Types of Oral Aphthous ulcers

As such, there are three types of canker sores. They vary by their symptoms, location and size.

Minor aphthous ulcers:

They are the most common. They remain in the mouth for 7 to 14 days, measure no more than one centimeter in diameter and are usually the most painful and the least risky.

Major aphthous ulcers:

They measure more than one centimeter in diameter. They are located in the back of the mouth and cause difficulty in eating, speaking and drinking. They leave scars.

Recurrent aphthous ulcers (stomatitis):

These lesions can be located in different oral areas: tongue, palate and / or gums. They are very painful and affect the quality of life of the sufferer.

Treatment

In order to lessen the pain and discomfort of canker sores, there are multiple measures to combat it, of course, it depends on the size and how much the pain is.

Analgesics.
Avoid consuming spicy or acidic foods.
Maintain proper oral hygiene.

If these sores remain for more than two weeks, it is important to see a doctor. At Nakeji Family Dental we want the best for you and for you to have the best smile.