Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?

At The Dental Design Center in White Plains, one of our roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Some of our patients have problems with mouth sores, so it’s the topic of this post.

If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two, it is vital to come in for an exam. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment assists in preventing more serious problems. If required, critical treatment and pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, we will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ailments that can cause mouth sores.

Two Types

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Canker sore typically heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods assists in temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations include: a cut on the inside of the mouth, a reaction to extreme temperatures, acids from food or drink, fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or a virus, or a combination of these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but typically heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics deliver relief.

Hope on the Horizon

There are new antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in curbing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often transpires before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause periodic cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

At The Dental Design Center in White Plains, we want the best possible dental health for all our patients. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth! Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S.:

914-683-5898

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

280 Dobbs Ferry Rd Ste 104
White Plains, New York
10607

 

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