When you have a mouth sore, it is challenging to treat it, since the inside of your mouth stays wet all day, has bacteria in it, and is constantly chewing food to digest it. Here is information about the types of sores you may have in your mouth and how to treat them.
Types of Mouth Sores
Nearly 85 percent of adults have at least one kind of mouth sore at some point in their lives. Here are the most common types and how to get rid of them.
Canker Sores
Canker sores can also be called mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers. They look bright red and flat with a white center. If your canker sore is small, as in less than half an inch in diameter, you should be able to treat it yourself at home. Try rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution three times a day to promote healing and decrease the pain from the sore. You may also want to try over-the-counter pastes or creams to speed up healing and deaden the pain. If your canker sore is extremely painful, or if it is larger than an inch in diameter, it is time to come in to see our dentist.
Oral Lichen Planus
If you have a large white sore that is itchy but not painful, it is possible you have oral lichen planus. This type of mouth sore usually affects women over the age of 50 and is how the immune system of the body responds to an allergy, such as metal in your mouth or certain types of medications. Heart medications, medications for diabetes, and some antibiotics can cause oral lichen planus. If the sore becomes painful or does not go away completely in a week or two, it is time to call our office.
What if your mouth sore does not fit either of these two categories? It is time to give our office a call so that we can make an appointment for you. That way, you can get the treatment you need to bid that mouth sore goodbye.
Dentist Richmond, VA | Riverwind Dental Discover Riverwind Dental in Richmond, VA! Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Riverwind Dental, 2821 N Parham Rd #102, Richmond, VA 23294 / (804) 280-0853 / riverwinddental.com / 10/29/2024 / Tags: Cosmetic Dentist Richmond Va /
When you have a mouth sore, it is challenging to treat it, since the inside of your mouth stays wet all day, has bacteria in it, and is constantly chewing food to digest it. Here is information about the types of sores you may have in your mouth and how to treat them.