Blog

A canker sore, medically termed as an aphthous ulcer, is a small, circular, shallow lesion that can occur on your gums, inside the cheeks, tongue, roof, or the floor of your mouth. Aphthous ulcers can be painful and be a source of extreme discomfort, making chewing and talking difficult. However, most of the time, these ulcers are self-healing and resolve within a week or two. If they persist beyond this period, become enlarged, or are extremely painful, please consult our board-certified periodontist in Wilmington and get them treated. 

Symptoms of canker sores

Canker sores usually appear round or oval and have a whitish-yellow center surrounded by a red border. There are three types of canker sores – minor, major, and herpetiform. 

Minor canker sores usually resolve within a week and are superficial. Major aphthous ulcers are more extensive and deeper and are more painful. It can take 4-6 weeks for major aphthous ulcers to heal. They generally heal with scarring. 

Herpetiform ulcers are uncommon and occur in clusters of 10-100 tiny sores. It is important to remember that these sores are not due to a viral infection. They heal within a week or two without any scarring. 

Causes 

• Minor injury due to faulty dental work. 
• Deficiency of folic acid, zinc and Vitamin B-12. 
• Food allergy
• Stress
• Canker sores can also occur before menstruation due to hormonal changes.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, GERD, and alike.
• Weakened immunity. 
• HIV-AIDS 

When should you consult a Periodontist?

Suppose you have unusually large sores that do not heal within a week or two; it’s time to visit us at Southern Delaware Dental Specialist and have it checked out. Recurring canker sores combined with eating and talking difficulties must be checked out and treated before they worsen. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms mentioned above, please reach out to us; our team will be there to assist you to better oral and overall health.