A toothache isn’t the only kind of mouth pain you can experience, and many sufferers insist that canker and cold sores are actually worse. How do you know if you have one? How do you treat them? Can they be cured?
The easiest way to tell if your sore is a canker or a cold sore is to determine its location. Those sores inside the mouth are likely canker sores, while those outside the mouth and on the lips are probably cold sores.
Canker Sores
How you got the sore also determines its type, as canker sores are generally caused by some sort of trauma to the mouth. Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek, a food allergy or brushing along your gum line too vigorously can lead to canker sores, too. While a canker sore will probably heal on its own, call us at Livonia Family Dental if the sore is large, spreading, or still there after two weeks.
Prevention and Treatment
If you’re dealing with a canker sore now, try an over-the-counter medication for the pain and inflammation. If the sore persists, call us for an appointment. We may be able to treat the canker sore with a medicated mouth rinse or ointment, or provide with you with a referral for a specialist.
If you frequently suffer from canker sores, you likely have a controllable trigger. Keep a food log to determine if certain types of foods, such as citrus fruits, are causing your canker sores. Trade in your toothbrush for one with softer bristles, and take extra care while brushing.
