What Is The Cause Of Canker Sores?
An oral ulcer (/ˈʌl-sɚ/, from Latin ulcus) is the name for the appearance of an open sore inside the mouth caused by a break in the mucous membrane or the epithelium on the lips or surrounding the mouth. The types of oral ulcers are diverse, with a multitude of associated causes including: physical or chemical trauma, infection from microorganisms, medical conditions or medications, cancerous and nonspecific processes. Once formed, the ulcer may be maintained by inflammation and/or secondary infection. Two common oral ulcer types are aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and cold sores (aka fever blisters). Cold sores around the lip are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Here are a few things that can cause canker sores: Canker sores are caused by: Injuries to the mouth, as seen frequently by contact sports players. Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or lip may also result in a canker sore Temperature hot food or drink may cause a canker sore in the area of the mouth that was essentially burnt by the offending substance Spicy and/or acidic foods often produce a canker sore as a response to the irritation these spices and acids create in the mouth The use of chewing (smokeless) tobacco will often cause a canker sore to develop in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is held, due to the irritating chemicals found in the addictive product Poor-fitting, complete or partial dentures may cause canker sores in the area of the mouth where the denture may rubbing on the tissue. The development of a canker sore is often one of the first signs that indicate the need for a denture reline or adjustment by your dentist or denturist Orthodontic brackets,
Canker sores are not due to an infection and are therefore not contagious. The actual cause is unknown, but many doctors believe that canker sores are due to a localized self-immunity that leads to destruction of lining tissues. What can I do to prevent canker sores? Some patients relate the onset of lesions to minor injuries to the inside of the mouth, acidic foods, stress, and menstruation. Use a soft bristle toothbrush, avoid very hot (temperature) foods, like pizza, and don’t talk while eating. How are canker sores diagnosed? The typical appearance of canker sores, their history of recurrence and location are usually sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis. The main confusion for patients and physicians alike is separating canker sores from cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex infection(HSV-1). While both conditions commonly occur in the mouth, their causes and treatments are completely different. Therefore it is important to distinguish the two. How are canker sores trea
