Some of our patients at The Addison Dentist were having issues with mouth sores, so we decided to make it the topic of today’s post. If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; it is essential to come in for an exam. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment helps to prevent more serious issues. If needed, vital treatment and pain relief can be offered to improve your dental health in Addison TX. In extreme cases, I will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in problems that can cause mouth sores.
The Two Types of Mouth Sores
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 usually heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods aids 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 usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics provide relief.
Hope on the Horizon
There are revolutionary antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing 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 intermittent cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.
Talk To Your Dentist
In some cases, a change in the way you care for your dental health in Addison TX can increase the frequency of mouth sores. If you are in the Addison, area and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, give us a call at The Addison Dentist to schedule an examination. We also offer other dental services such as emergency dentistry, root canals, and oral cancer screenings.
Contact The Addison Dentist:
469-998-2515
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4145 Belt Line Rd Ste 208
Addison, Texas
75001
