Are you tired of dealing with painful and embarrassing canker sores? Do you need help improving your dental health? If so, don’t despair! With the right strategies, conquering canker sores and maintaining good dental health is within reach. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ways to beat those bothersome canker sores and give tips on how to achieve better overall oral hygiene.

What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores — or aphthous ulcers — are small, shallow ulcers that occur in the lining of your mouth. A canker sore starts as a white or yellowish mouth sore with a red border. They’re usually very small (less than 1 millimeter) but may grow to 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

You can get canker sores on your tongue, gums, roof of your mouth, inside of your lip or under your tongue. They can be painful and often make eating and talking uncomfortable.

There are two types of canker sores:

• Simple: These may appear three or four times a year and last up to a week.
• Complex: These are less common and occur more often in the people who have previously had them.

Canker Sores and Dental Health

Canker sores can be a nuisance, but they don’t usually have any long-term effects on your dental health. However, if left untreated, they can become infected and lead to further issues. To help prevent this from happening, it’s important to take steps to reduce the pain and duration of the sores.

Most ulcers heal up on their own. However, if they don’t heal within three weeks you should visit your dentist. Your dental team will be able to examine your mouth to check that the problem is an ulcer and not something more serious such as mouth cancer. If you suffer from ulcers that come and go often, you should visit your dental team to check that there is not an underlying medical cause. Always see your dental team if:

• The ulcer lasts for more than 3 weeks.
• You are unwell.
• The ulcers keep coming back.

Tips to Conquer Canker Sores

Canker sores can be uncomfortable and embarrassing but they don’t have to be a permanent part of your life. Here are some tips on how to conquer them:

1. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce the occurrence of canker sores. Make sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins and whole grains.
2. Avoid spicy food: Spicy foods can be an irritant and may trigger canker sores in some people. Try limiting or avoiding them if you frequently experience these ulcers.
3. Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar and other acidic substances can irritate the skin on your mouth and increase the chances of developing these ulcers.
4. Use a soft toothbrush: Switching to a softer toothbrush can help reduce irritation in your mouth that may lead to canker sores.
5. Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly can help reduce the risk of developing ulcers.
6. Manage stress: Stress is one of the most common triggers for ulcers, so managing it can go a long way in reducing their frequency and severity. Try activities such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing to help manage your stress levels.

Tips to Improve Your Dental Health

Good dental health not only helps protect your teeth and gums, but it also impacts other aspects of your overall wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you achieve better oral hygiene:

1. Brush two times a day: Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss daily: Flossing once a day helps remove food particles and plaque from areas between your teeth that brushing cannot reach.
3. Eat healthy foods: Eating nutritious foods can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while also promoting overall health.
4. Visit the dentist regularly: Regular visits to the dentist can help catch any issues early and prevent future problems.
5. Avoid smoking: Smoking is bad for your teeth and gums, as well as your overall health. It can cause oral cancer, tooth decay and gum disease among other things.
6. Limit sugary drinks: Sugary drinks such as sodas can lead to cavities and other dental issues. Try limiting these drinks and opt for sugar-free alternatives instead.

With these tips, you can conquer canker sores and improve your dental health. Remember to practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis and see your dentist if any problems persist.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we prioritize your health and wellbeing. Our experienced team provides quality dental care to meet all of your needs. Make an appointment with us today to take the first step towards better oral hygiene and conquering canker sores.