If you happen to get canker sores, you will know the pain and irritation they can cause, but where they come from and what causes them is still a bit of a mystery, claims a dentist in central Leeds. They tend to erupt inside the mouth- on the inside of the lips, gums and on the tongue and can be confused with toothache. Although not contagious, it is widely agreed that they are handed down in the family through generations and are more common in women. There are three main types of canker sores. The most common is the minor sore, which is small and lasts for around 8 days. The major sore is a lot larger and more painful and can hang around in the mouth for almost a month. Herpetiform ulcers appear in clusters and they also last around 8 days. They start as a gentle swelling but erupt quickly and because they are difficult to treat, they can cause great discomfort until they disappear. Though the causes of these sores are a bit of a grey area, they can be linked to the same reasons why other problems affect the mouth- vitamin deficiency, poor diet, stress, poor dental hygiene, a weak immune system, hormone imbalance (as in pregnancy), smoking and drinking. Treating them is also a grey area, there are canker related medications that tend to soothe rather than cure. As with cold sores, they seemingly come and go at there own leisure, but a dentist will be able to offer advice on treating them.
Tags: canker sores, toothache
