What is Canker Sore?
Canker sores are one of the oral problems that many people often experience.
Canker sores, also known as stomatitis, are inflammation of the mouth that is painful and can interfere with sufferers’ ability to eat, talk, and sleep.
Canker sores can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth.
Symptoms of Canker Sores
Canker sores will not be felt immediately, but will develop slowly with the following symptoms:
- Burning sensation on the tongue.
- The inside of the mouth and throat are red.
- Discomfort when swallowing.
- There is a reddish color and pain in the part of the mouth where the dentures are.
- Uncomfortable feeling in the mouth.
- White sores that appear on the tongue.
- Light bleeding that occurs when scratched.
Risk Factors for Canker Sores
Anyone can experience canker sores, but there are several factors that can trigger the appearance of this mouth problem, including:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- The use of dentures that do not fit and are not cleaned regularly.
- Lack of B vitamins and iron.
- Consumption of antibiotics.
- Using medications that can reduce saliva production.
- Suffering from diabetes.
- Decreased immune system.
- Smoking habit.
- Undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Causes of Canker Sores
The main cause of thrush is the presence of the Candida albicans fungus, which is found in the mouth in small amounts and grows uncontrollably.
However, canker sores can also be caused by various other factors, such as injury, infection, or allergies.
Diagnosis of Canker Sores
Diagnosis of canker sores aims to find out what causes them.
The most important way to diagnose is by physical examination because the doctor can know a lot just by looking at the appearance of the lesion.
Other tests that can be used to diagnose canker sores include:
- Swab, for both bacterial and viral infections.
- Scraping or swab of tissue for fungal infections.
- Biopsy, or removal of cells or tissue for further study.
- Blood test.
- Patch test to identify allergies.
Canker Sore Treatment
Sores in the mouth or canker sores usually heal on their own in about two weeks.
If the cause of canker sores is found, the doctor can provide treatment to address the cause.
For example, for thrush caused by a fungal infection, antifungal medications may be given.
In addition, you can also use antifungal medication in the form of gel, mouthwash, or tablets.
However, if the cause of canker sores is not found, then treatment focuses on treating the symptoms only.
Here are some ways to help relieve pain and speed up the healing process of canker sores:
- Avoid hot drinks or foods, as well as salty, spicy, and sour foods for a while.
- Take painkillers.
- Reduce smoking habits
- Always maintain dental and oral hygiene.
- Gargle with cold water or eat ice cream if you experience a burning sensation in your mouth.
Recommended Mouth Ulcer Medication
Here are some recommended medications that you can use to treat canker sores:
- Aloclair Plus Gel 8 ml. Is a gel medicine with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera content to reduce pain, avoid irritation, and support natural healing of canker sores.
- Betadine Mouthwash and Gargle 190 ml. Contains the active ingredient Povidone iodine in the form of an antiseptic mouthwash, to treat sore throats, swollen gums, canker sores, bad breath, and bad breath.
- Kenalog in Orabase 0.1% Ointment 5 g. This medicine contains Triamcinolone Acetonide in the form of an ointment that functions to treat canker sores and reduce irritation.
- Efisol-C 10 Tablets. Oral antiseptic containing Dequalinum chloride and Vitamin C which is useful for treating fungal and bacterial infections in the mouth.
- Adem Sari 5 Sachets. A refreshing drink with Citrus Aurantifolia extract, Alyxia stellata extract, and vitamin C which is useful for relieving symptoms of internal heat, such as dry throat, mouth ulcers, and chapped lips.
- Aloclair Plus Spray 15 ml. It is a spray that forms a protective barrier to relieve pain from canker sores and accelerate the healing of canker sores.
- Betadine Throat Spray 50 ml. Mouth spray containing Povidone Iodine that can help relieve sore throats, canker sores, swollen gums, bad breath, and bad breath.
- Borax Glycerine Gum 10% Cito 8 ml. Is an antiseptic that plays a role in relieving pain and wounds in the oral cavity, such as canker sores, dry chapped lips, and gingivitis.
- Enkasari Herbal 120 ml. Contains various natural ingredients in the form of mouthwash to help reduce canker sores, help freshen the mouth, and reduce bad breath.
Complications of Canker Sores
Canker sores that are not treated properly can cause various complications, such as:
- Inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
- Loss of teeth.
- Tonsillitis.
- Voice change.
- Spread of infection.
Prevention of Canker Sores
Canker sores can be prevented by taking the following steps:
- Quit smoking.
- Clean between your teeth with dental floss.
- Take care of and check your oral condition with a dentist.
- Maintain oral hygiene.
- Limit consumption of foods with high sugar content.
- Treating and keeping dentures clean.
When to See a Doctor?
Visit a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following canker sore symptoms:
- Mouth ulcers are large and unusual in size.
- Canker sores keep appearing and increasing in number.
- The pain does not improve even after taking painkillers.
- The canker sore has been going on for more than two weeks and is not healing.