Cosmetic Dentist, John P. Goodman, DDS helps Kansas City patients understand the different causes and types of mouth sores. Whether a Canker Sore or a Cold Sore, through a natural remedy or an over the counter remedy, Dr. Goodman provides recommendations and treatment for a mouth sore. 

What is a Mouth Sore? 

Cosmetic Dentist, John P. Goodman, DDS regularly comes across mouth sores in his Kansas City Dental practice. Depending on the type of sore, a mouth sore develops inside or around the mouth as a small ulcer or blister and is easily irritated and painful. A mouth sore can last two weeks or more on occasions. The cause for mouth sores are not completely certain, but can arise from several factors.

Causes of Mouth Sores

Mouth sores can be contracted virally (contagious) or may be caused by other circumstances including:

• Allergies
• Stress
• Hormonal Changes
• Lack of Sleep
• Diet
• Illness
• Infection
• Vitamin Deficiency
• Medications
• Trauma or injury
• Tobacco or Smoking
• And rarely, a symptom of a more serious disease or illness such as Oral Mouth Cancer.

Types of Mouth Sores

Canker Sores and Cold Sores are the most common mouth sores that Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Goodman faces with his Kansas City patients.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are not contagious and often appear as a shallow pale or yellow ulcer with a surrounding red ring. These mouth sores are irritated easily by pressure, a sharp edge of tooth or braces and some acidic or spicy food. Canker sores are more common in women than men and can show up as a group of several mouth sores. Canker sores can appear due to imbalances in nutrition, vitamin (Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, or folate) deficiency, stress, illness, or immune issues and hormone changes.

Cold Sores

Cold sores, also referred to as fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are very contagious. A cold sore generally lasts 10-14 days and develops in the corners of the mouth. After a few days this type of mouth sore begins to crust over and is usually uncomfortable and sensitive to acidic or spicy foods.

The herpes simplex virus (cold sores) can live in the body for years and become activated as a mouth sore by triggers such as stress, hormones, immune deficiency, illness, and sun exposure. Some that have the virus have no mouth sores or symptoms. It is recommended not to share utensils, lip products or toothbrushes with someone that has this virus. It is also recommended to throw away hygiene products after having a cold sore to prevent getting another breakout. 

Treatment for Mouth Sores

After meeting with Dr. Goodman or a professional physician and/or establishing what type of mouth sore is needing treatment, a feasible product or treatment option can be chosen.  Whether natural or over the counter, options for treating mouth sores vary, but are not limited. Many local grocery and pharmacies carry a range of prescription and available products to assist the healing process for mouth sores. The knowledgable dental professionals at John P. Goodman, DDS recommend a topical ointment for Cold Sores and an anesthetic Oral Gel for Canker Sores to help with any discomfort while healing. 

Natural Remedies for Mouth Sores

If wanting to try the natural route for relieving and preventing ongoing mouth sores, it is important to look to the causes for mouth sores to find a connecting treatment. Stress and wellness are large factors in development and the severity of a mouth sore. If this is the case, it is highly recommended to avoid stressful situations and trade harmful lifestyle habits for healthier alternatives. 

Talking to a professional physician or Dr. Goodman about any deficiency in vitamins or diet can help increase overall wellness and assist in preventing recurrent mouth sores. Taking deep breaths, stretching and meditating daily are also natural ways to relieve stress and boost wellness.

For pain with mouth sores, rinsing with warm salt water will help to detoxify and flush out toxins and bacteria in the mouth. Drinking the recommended amount of water daily will also assist the healing of the mouth sore. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods will help with irritation and further infection of the mouth sore.

If you have a mouth sore call the friendly Kansas City dental staff of John P. Goodman, DDS at 816-842-8585 or send us a message to set up your appointment today. If you found this useful please comment or "like" our Facebook page for more information about our office and dental tips!