Be a canker sore specialist: What you should know
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What are canker sores?
Canker sores, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), are round or oval oral ulcers that have red and inflamed borders with yellowish-white centers. Canker sores are very common among different types of oral ulcers that affect more than half of the population according to the American Dental Association.
Canker sores are found inside the soft tissue linings of the mouth, on the inside of the upper or lower lip, on the tongue, and sometimes on the soft palate. If you ever had a canker sore, you know that the resulting pain can be excruciating and can lead to debilitating oral functionality and impaired food and fluid intake.
The 3 Types of Canker Sores
It is important to identify your type of canker sore and assess whether the healing time falls within the average range. In general, if your canker sore takes longer than two weeks to heal, it may be time to contact your physician.
Type | Characteristic |
Minor Aphthous Stomatitis |
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Major Aphthous Stomatitis |
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Herpetiform Aphthous Stomatitis |
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The 3 Stages of Canker Sores
Although canker sores may seem like they show up overnight, they actually go through a series of stages. Knowing which stage you are in might help to determine effective strategies in dealing with them.
Stages | Characteristic |
Stage 1 |
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Stage 2 |
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Stage 3 |
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Etiology of Canker Sores
Medicine has come a long way and many diseases have been studied and clearly explained on the nature of their causes. Canker sores are so complex that science has not been able to pinpoint the exact causes. It is most likely because it’s a multifactorial process, and a combination of these different processes trigger the appearance of those dreaded mouth sores. These factors have been associated with the development of canker sores, and may help you identify your own triggers.
Type | Explanation |
Trauma to the mouth |
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Hormonal fluctuations |
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Allergies/intolerance |
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Deficiency in micronutrients such as vit B-12, folic acid, zinc, iron, and lysine
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Sensitivity to certain acidic fruits or drinks |
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Toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate |
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Stress |
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Helicobacter pylori infection |
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Crohn’s disease |
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Celiac disease |
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HIV/AIDS |
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Behcet's disease |
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Canker Sore Versus Cold Sore
Canker sores are often confused with cold sores because of their similar sounding names and the location they are found. However, they are completely different. It is important to distinguish these sores so that you can properly treat them. Generally, canker sores are found on the inside of the mouth in the soft tissue area whereas cold sores are found on the outer mouth.
Canker Sore* | Cold Sore* |
Conclusion
If you are a frequent canker sore sufferer, the best approach is to find your own triggers or underlying reasons so you can prevent them. Usually, the best person who can investigate the cause(s) of your canker sores is yourself. It may be a good idea to keep a journal to track your habits, your diet, and your routines to help you figure out a pattern for their appearance. Through trial and error, you will become a specialist in the management of your canker sores.
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