The link between systemic diseases and your oral health

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Common Mouth Sores: When they are normal, and when you need professional treatment

Common Mouth Sores


There are several different types of mouth sores that are annoying, painful and unsightly. These sores can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections, along with a loose orthodontic wire, ill-fitting denture, or sharp edge of a broken tooth.

Mouth sores can also be symptoms of something more serious, such as a disease or disorder.

Some common types of sores include:
1. Canker sores
2. Cold Sores
3. Leukoplakia
4. Candidiasis

Canker Sores:

Appearance:
Small, white or gray base, with a red border.
Non-contagious
Cause is uncertain, but may be:
Immune system problems
Bacteria
Viruses
Fatigue
Stress
Allergies
Cut-inside the mouth
Burns-from hot foods
Intestinal problems, such as:
Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Treatment:
Heal on their own after a week or two
Over-the-counter topical anesthetics
Antimicrobial mouthrinses
Avoiding hot, spicy or acidic foods
If secondary infection is present- antibiotics and oral bandages

Cold Sores (Fever blisters or Herpes Simplex)

Appearance:
Painful, fluid filled blisters
Seen around the lips, under the nose or around the chin.
Very contagious

Causes:
Once a person is infected, the virus lies dormant in the body and causes attacks when followed by:
Fever
Sunburn
Skin abrasions
Emotional upset
Treatment:
Usually heal in a week by themselves
Over-the-counter topical anesthetics
Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the number of infections

Leukoplakia-(can progress to cancer)

Appearance:
Thick, whitish-color patch on the inside if the cheeks, gum or tongue.
Cause:
Excess cell growth-common in tobacco users
Ill-fitting dentures
Smokeless tobacco
Treatment:
Examination of the lesion by your dentist, a biopsy, and a plan
Removing the factors that contribute to the lesion, such as:
Tobacco
Replacing ill-fitting dentures or bridges

Candidiasis-(fungal infection also known as thrush)

Appearance:
White patches-common in denture wearers
Cause:
Immune system problems
Dry mouth
Affects the very young and elderly
Antibiotics
Treatment:
Good oral hygiene
Clean dentures
Saliva substitutes
Prescription medications, when incurable or unavoidable.

As with any mouth sore, if the sore has not healed with a 1-2 week window, call your dentist and have an examination, because it may appear to be something normal, when in actuality it may need professional treatment.