Aphthae
Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) are a common condition of the oral cavity. They are usually shallow ulcers or small erosions, which after about two days become covered with a coating with a red border around them. The course of the disease is relatively short, but very unpleasant and is associated with annoying symptoms at the site of their occurrence, such as itching, scratching, or burning.
Place of origin
Aphthae do not appear in all parts of the mouth, but only in those areas where the upper layer of the mucous membrane does not contain enough keratin, e.g., in the front part of the mouth, on the side of the tongue, and under the tongue. Ulcers also sometimes develop on the soft palate and tonsils, but almost never on the hard palate or around the gums.
Causes of canker sores
Most often, small aphthae appear due to neglect in oral hygiene, tooth decay or other dental diseases, mucosal injuries, poorly fitted orthodontic appliances or ill-fitting dentures, sometimes while taking antibiotics, allergies, stress, or consuming unhealthy food containing artificial additives or preservatives.
Even 1-3 days before the ulcer appears, you may feel an unpleasant itching and scratching in the area affected by aphthae. Later, a small blister appears, which then bursts and forms a small ulcer. Its edges are marked by a reddish area, and the inner part of the ulcer is located below the level of the healthy mucous membrane. The affected area is not large, usually no more than half a centimeter wide. Generally, only one aphtha appears in the mouth at a time; rarely do more occur simultaneously.
There is no single, established cause for the formation of aphthae. Viruses, bacteria, or vitamin deficiencies can contribute to their development. In some patients, the eruption of aphthae is linked to a lack of folic acid, iron, or vitamin B2. The cause can also be very mundane; for example, a minor injury in the mouth or an ill-fitting denture.
Healing time and treatment of aphthae
Healing time depends on the size of the aphthous ulcers. In the case of smaller canker sores, it may take a few to several days, but larger ones can take significantly longer to heal. Smaller canker sores often disappear completely, while larger, longer-lasting, and non-resolving ones should be consulted with a doctor.
In the event of canker sores, hot drinks and spicy foods should be avoided to prevent irritation of the affected area - this slows down the healing process. Thorough oral hygiene is also extremely important. Deposits on the teeth or tongue can promote the growth of microorganisms, which will only worsen the condition of the canker sore. If new canker sores appear in the mouth or if the affected person has a fever, a visit to the dentist is necessary. If a canker sore does not heal even after a long time, it may be caused by a completely different disease whose appearance and course are similar to an aphthous ulcer. In that case, it is also worth seeking advice from a dentist or a primary care physician.
The vast majority of people with aphthous stomatitis have minor symptoms and do not require special treatment. The pain is often manageable through simple dietary modifications during the ulcer episode, such as avoiding spicy and acidic foods and drinks. There is also a wide variety of topical and systemic medications that effectively help manage this problem. Treatment of canker sores aims to relieve pain, promote healing, and reduce the frequency of ulcer episodes.
Canker sores can be treated on your own. There are plenty of over-the-counter remedies for canker sores that can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. They come in various forms and have different purposes. Typically, these are gels, pastes, or mouthwashes. Gels and pastes accelerate healing, while liquids disinfect and support this process. At the Luxdentica Dental Center in Krakow, you can obtain full information on which products to use to deal with the problem of canker sores, as well as receive appropriate preparations for their treatment.
In the case of frequent recurrences of the disease, it is worth having a blood test and consulting the problem with a dentist.
