A canker sore is a small, shallow open wound (or ulcer) in mouth that can make eating and talking uncomfortable. They are also known as aphthous ulcers.
Causes
Risk for developing canker sores increases if patient have a family history of them. Canker sores have various causes, and the most common ones include:
1. Vitamin or mineral deficiency-Deficiency of
B3,B9,B12,Zinc,Iron,Calcium
2. Mouth injury due to the intake of irritants like very spicy
food,Pineapple,Citrus fruits, Tobbacco , Toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulphate etc.
3. Viral infection
4. Stress
5. Hormonal fluctuation
6. Food allergy
7. Menstrual cycle
8. Immune system problem
9. Mouth ulcers can be symptoms of herpes infection, sex-related infection, inflammatory bowel disease, leukoplakia,
gingivostomatitis, oral cancer, oral thrush, celiac disease, and immune disorders.
Symptoms and signs-
∙ A tingling or burning sensation
∙ Pain when eating, drinking, or speaking
There are a few types of canker sores:
1. Minor canker sores. These may show up three or four times a year. They typically happen in people ages 10 to 20. They’re less than 1cm. across and heal in about a week with no scarring.
2. Major canker sores. These are less common. The ulcers are bigger and can last more than 2 weeks. They often heal with scarring.
3. Herpetiform canker sores. These are rare and show up as clusters of tiny ulcers. They usually heal in about a week.
Diagnosis-
∙ Diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis is clinical, and laboratory testing is usually unnecessary, although diagnostic testing might be considered in persistent, severe, or recurrent cases.
∙ A complete blood count demonstrating anemia might suggest deficiency such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12.
∙ Celiac disease present in fewer than 5% of recurrent aphthous stomatitis cases and can be identified with antigen antibody tests.
1. Merc Sol – Mouth ulcers with increased salivation
2. Borax- Aphthae with hot mouth.
3. Kali Iod – Aphthae with milky base.
4. Nitric Acid – Mouth ulcers with stitching pain.
5. Sulphuric Acid- Aphthous ulcers which are white in colour. 6. Arsenic Album- Mouth ulcers which are bluish.
Tips for Prevention
1. Practice good oral hygiene.
2. Eat a healthy diet.
3. Employ gentle brushing for your teeth and gums.
4. Get a good intake of vitamin B, C, and zinc.
5. Avoid very hot drinks and food.
6. Reduce stress.
