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Simple Ways Of Preventing And Healing Canker Sores
By Rai Micht | November 12, 2009
If you have a canker sore, you may be experiencing a lot of discomfort and pain. You are probably nervous about the sore being contagious and spreading to additional locations in your mouth or throat. You may even be worried about friends and family getting canker sores. Well there is no need to worry. Canker sores are not contagious.
Healing canker sores are not necessary as they go away on their own within one-to-two weeks. In the meantime, there are things that you can do to alleviate the pain and promote healing. The unsightly and painful skin craters are ulcers that show up without warning. Theories about what causes them vary, but it is believed they may be the result of stress or food allergies. Eating hard foods, such as chips, or spicy foods may irritate or scratch the skin or gums resulting in a canker sore forming. Certain vitamin deficiency and illnesses can also account for having canker sores.
If you already have a canker sore then stop using toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Studies have shown that majority of the toothpastes sold in the market today all contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS dries out the mucus lining in your mouth that protects against canker sores.
In the meantime, healing canker sores can be done through avoiding acidic, spicy, and hard foods. These types of foods aggravate the canker sore and delay the healing time. Eat your food in smaller bites and eat soft foods. This alleviates additional irritation to the sores. Use a straw when drinking cold beverages to avoid making contact with a canker sore. When cold liquids touch a canker sore it produces a stinging sensation. Drinking through a straw helps you control the flow of liquids and prevent additional irritation.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications, along with natural remedies, can also be utilized in healing canker sores. Many oral gels contain a numbing agent that when applied directly to the canker sore numbs the area and alleviates the pain. A dentist or a doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory gel or mouthwash. These steroid anti-inflammatory medications reduce the inflammation and assist in healing canker sores. It is vital to seek professional dental assistance and advice to acquire the most appropriate medication or remedy.
Finally, be easy when brushing your teeth. Rough brushing can aggravate and cut your gums. Brushing too hard and too quick can tear soft mucus linings in your mouth. when you already haven canker sores, rough brushing can only cause further pain. Additionally, it may prolong the process of healing canker sores.
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before sleeping. You can rinse your mouth to get rid of loose food particles after meals. Make sure to floss properly too. Don’t force dental floss in between your teeth if they don’t fit. this may only cause damage to your teeth, and you may accidentally tear your gums if you force the floss into your teeth.
Know that canker sores are not caused by bacteria. Canker sores are not like cold sores, which are caused by viruses and can spread through physical contact. But by following good oral hygiene practices, eating healthy meals, avoiding stress, and getting enough rest, you can work to ensure healing canker sores would be faster and easier, as well as preventing them in the future.
Prevent pain and discomfort caused by canker sores through proper prevention and dental care. Know more from OraMD and protect canker sores, halitosis, gingivitis and even gum disease.
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