Mouth Sores, or Stomatitis, are general terms for an inflamed or sore mouth, which, in addition to being painful, can interfere with a person’s ability to eat, talk, and sleep. Stomatitis typically comes in two varieties: canker sores and cold sores.
Canker Sores
Canker sores, formally called aphthous ulcers, are a single white or yellow ulcer surrounded by a red ring, or a small cluster of such ulcers and are typically found on the inner cheek, lip, or tongue. Canker sores are not always painful, last around 5-10 days, and tend to return eventually.
Nobody is completely sure of what exactly causes canker sores, but studies have found strong links between certain medications, mouth injuries, stress, bacteria, lack of sleep, and citrus foods. They may also be related to weakened immune systems and can occur through even the smallest of cheek or lip irritations. They are not contagious.
Cold Sores
Cold sores, colloquially referred to as fever blisters, are fluid-filled sores that typically manifest on the lips and rarely form inside the mouth itself. Cold sores will eventually scab over and are generally preceded by a tingling or itching sensation. Cold sores, which sometimes accompany fevers and other cold or flu-like symptoms, are always painful and typically last around a week.
Cold sores are cause by a virus known as herpes simplex type 1 (no, not that type of herpes) and are contagious from the time the blister ruptures until it has fully healed. The initial infection is often accompanied by cold or flu-like symptoms but soon dissipates. However once infection occurs, the virus remains in the body for the rest of a person’s life and can be re-triggered by stress, fever, hormonal changes, and trauma.
Treatment
While there is no known cure for either kind of mouth sores, their effects can be mitigated with pain medication, topical ointments, and prescribed oral anti-virals. The best medicine, however, is preventative. Cold and canker sores are far less likely to occur in those who practice thorough dental hygiene, floss, use mouthwash, and regularly visit their dentist.
For more information about managing mouth sores, contact the experienced dental professionals and doctors at Olney Dental.
About Olney Dental
Olney Dental has been providing comprehensive dental care for residents of Olney and the surrounding area since 1985. We’re conveniently located on the campus of Montgomery General Hospital, and provide care for all ages for children to adults and seniors. We’re also independently owned by our dentists, which allows us be patient driven in our approach to dentistry. Your smiles make us smile! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.
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