Definition:
Canker Sores are small, superficial and painful lesions, which usually develop on the soft tissues of the mouth (under the tongue, inside cheeks or lips, and at the base of the gums). Canker sores are presented as either round or oval with a white border and white or yellow center.
Diagnosis:
Visual examination is enough to confirm diagnosis of canker sores.
Treatment:
Mouth rinses and topical pastes such as fluocinonide and Orabase aid in the treatment of canker sores. Oral medications like Tagamet can also bring out favorable results. Zinc lozenges and high doses of Vitamin C and B complex are alternative treatments for the condition.
Symptoms and Signs:
Canker sores are not contagious but it can be very painful causing difficulty in eating and swallowing. Lesions that are either round or oval shaped with a white or yellow center and white border presenting with fever and weariness (lethargy) combined with swollen lymph nodes.
Causes:
The main cause of development of canker sores is not yet clearly defined but there are factors that contribute to eruptions in a single individual. Viruses and bacteria attack the healthy cells and may take over due to faulty immune system. Slight injury to the mouth caused by overenthusiastic brushing, dental work or accidentally biting the cheek; allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, food allergies, toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate content, and other conditions like Celiac disease are factors that aid the development of canker sores.
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