Canker Sore Relief with Your Dentist in Orlando

You’re eating breakfast one morning and you keep feeling pain on this one particular spot on your tongue. Your curiosity finally takes you to the mirror, and you see you have a noticeable white bump on your tongue. It is extremely sensitive, and you only notice it more as the day goes on. You feel it whenever you say a word or take a bite. What is this? More importantly, what can you do about it? Your dentist in Orlando, Dr. John Russo, can tell you a little more about it, as well as how you can treat it.

What Is a Canker Sore?

That little white bump on your tongue is a canker sore, which is in fact, a small ulcer. There are two types of canker sores. Simple canker sores appear a few times a year and usually last for about a week. Complex canker sores are much less common but occur much for frequently for people who have had canker sores before.

The most common symptom of a canker sore is a white or gray bump on the tongue (which can also occur on the soft palate and cheeks) that feels sensitive whenever it comes into contact with food or your teeth. There is typically a burning sensation before the sore appears.

These are very different from cold sores, also known as fever blisters. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus, and produce painful, fluid-filled blisters outside of the mouth, as opposed to inside. They are also quite contagious. Fortunately, canker sores are not viral and cannot spread from one person to another.

What Causes Them?

The exact cause is not known, but a few factors seem to contribute to them.

Different types of foods can irritate the tissue of the tongue and cause canker sores. These include citrus or acidic foods like lemons, oranges, apples, tomatoes, and strawberries. Particularly spicy foods have also been shown to lead to canker sores and even make them worse. The tissue can also be irritated by sharp tooth surfaces or dental work such as braces or dentures.  In the case of complex canker sores, underlying medical conditions like an impaired immune system, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease can also cause them.

How Are They Treated?

Most canker sores will go away on their own in a week or two. This works for some, but many people can’t stand feeling pain every moment of every day, and want them to go away immediately. Fortunately, Dr. Russo has a method to eliminate canker sores in as little as 5 minutes. This procedure is not only quick but also completely pain-free. Relief is instant and you can go on with your day right afterward.

What Is It?

To find out, you need to call us. If you are dealing with a canker sore and want relief now, not next week, simply make an appointment today.