What is Canker Sore? Know its Symptoms, Causes and Home remedies

2021-12-13 18:42:23

Having blisters in the mouth is not a big deal but if a person has blisters in the mouth repeatedly or for several days, then it indicates many health problems including oral health. Therefore, apart from the body, it is also important to keep the mouth healthy. If a person has blisters in the mouth, then its direct effect starts on eating and drinking especially if there is a problem of a canker sore. Due to canker, the person has difficulty in eating, drinking or talking. It is extremely difficult and painful for a person to drink even a sip of water because it is very painful. Canker sores are often caused by increased body heat which appears as wounds. It should not be ignored at all.

What are Canker Sores?

Canker Sore is a sore on the soft tissues and gums of the mouth which is also called aphthous ulcers. These are yellow or white in colour and round or oval in which a red border is made on the edges of the wound. These occur on the inside of the cheek, around the tongue or gums. More pain is felt when there is a canker sore which leads to trouble in eating, drinking and speaking. Most canker sores heal in 1 to 2 weeks but when this wound gets bigger then it should not be ignored at all and immediately contact the doctor.

Types of Canker Sores

Minor Canker sore-

This is a common type of canker sore in which the size of mouth sores or ulcers ranges from 2 millimeters to 8 millimeters. Its wounds heal in one to two weeks without leaving any scars.

Major Canker sore-

This type of canker sore is a little more painful than a minor canker sore. Severe canker sores are larger and deeper in size than minor canker sores. Also, this wound lasts for a few weeks. When they heal, there may be scars on the face.

Herpetiform Canker sores-

This type of canker sore is very serious and painful. Its size is about 1 centimeter and occurs in clusters of 10 to 100 lesions. A person suffering from this type of canker sore has to face a lot of pain. Also, this pain is not less than any medicine or cream etc.

Other Risk Symptoms of Canker sores-

The symptoms of canker sore are classified above on the basis of its type but there are some risk symptoms as well. Let us know about these other serious symptoms. These are-

• Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
• Unbearable pain in the inner parts of the mouth.
• The appearance of shallow sores on the lining of the mouth.
• Feeling trembling when canker emerges.
• Having a fever.
• Getting rashes.
• Having a severe headache.

Causes of Canker Sore

No scientific reasoning has been given so far behind the occurrence of canker sore but according to the researchers, some of the causes of canker sore are given below-

• A Canker sore is caused by a viral infection in the mouth. The recurrence of canker sore is known as recurrent oral aphthous ulcers.
• A canker sore can also be caused by weak immunity, inflammatory bowel disease, immune system problems, stress, anxiety or depression.
• Any type of liver disease and disease caused by alcohol obstructs the functions of the liver due to which ulcers appear in the mouth.
• If a person has an upset stomach, he is more likely to get a canker sore. Therefore, such a person should adopt a healthy diet.
• If a person consumes tobacco in large quantities. The chances of getting canker sore in such people are also very high.
• A canker sore can also be caused by changes in hormones.
• Sometimes the problem of canker sore is also seen in people who are undergoing dental treatment.
• The problem of canker sore is caused due to deficiency of folic acid, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc in the body.
• Sometimes genetic history is the reason behind the occurrence of a canker sore.

Home remedies for Canker Sore

Fibre-rich food-

The main reason for most canker sores i.e. mouth ulcers is the imbalance or disruption of the digestive system. Therefore, to fix the digestive system, fibre rich food should be consumed. Non-vegetarian food should not be consumed during canker sore. You should consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Gargle with lukewarm salted water-

Gargling with lukewarm saltwater is beneficial in the case of a canker sore. Gargling provides relief in canker sore swelling and pain. Apart from this, by adding baking soda or alum in hot water and compressing the affected area, the problem of canker sore reduces.

Cold compress with Ice-

Apply ice cubes on the affected area about three to four times a day. Doing this provides quick relief from both pain and swelling.

Basil is beneficial-

Basil leaves work effectively on wounds. Its leaves provide relief from ulcers as well as prevent them from re-emerging. So to get rid of wounds, chew 4-5 basil leaves daily.

Turmeric-

Turmeric is an effective natural remedy for canker sore relief because it is rich in antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. For this, mix turmeric powder with water and make a paste and apply it to the wounds. Apart from this, mixing glycerin in turmeric paste and applying it on wounds is also beneficial.

Honey-

Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that kill bacteria. It also helps in relieving pain and inflammation. According to a report published in the year 2016, honey eliminates the pain of mouth ulcers as well as scarring. Therefore, apply honey regularly to the affected area at least 4 times daily.

Garlic-

Garlic is rich in antibiotic properties. It helps in curing canker sores. For this, make a paste by taking 4-5 garlic buds and apply it to the affected places. Wash it off with clean water after about 10-15 minutes. By doing this, both pain and swelling are relieved.

Aloe vera gel-

Apart from anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera has many such properties which help in eliminating canker sores along with relieving pain. For this, apply aloe vera gel to the places with canker sores.

Coconut oil-

According to research, coconut oil also proves effective in getting rid of mouth canker sores or sores because it has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which also relieves the pain of wounds. For this, apply coconut oil 2-3 times a day on the canker sore areas.

Ways to prevent Canker Sores

• Maintain oral health.
• Avoid anxiety, stress and depression.
• Eat a good and balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids and water.
• Avoid foods that cause irritation to the mouth.
• Avoid citrus fruits, acidic vegetables, and overly spicy foods.
• Do not consume tobacco products.
• Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol.
• Avoid consumption of fried and junk food.
• Chew the food and eat it.
• Do not talk to anyone while chewing food.
• Do not drink water while eating.

When to go to the Doctor?

Sores that occur frequently or lasts long may be a sign of an underlying disease. Therefore, it is essential to see a dentist if you face the following problems-

• Have unusually large sores.
• Sores that spread rapidly in the mouth.
• Sores that lasts for 3 weeks or more.
• Extreme pain despite avoiding trigger foods and taking pain relievers.
• Trouble drinking enough fluids.
• High fever with canker sores.