Having a sore tongue is actually a common problem. In fact, most oral infections like blisters under the cheeks, tongue, and gums, are pretty widespread. Those inflamed patches of tissue and cracked skin on the corner of your mouth can be painful and hard to ignore. Sore tongue can also be caused by other underlying problems. 

Why do I have a sore tongue?

The tongue plays a fundamental role in taste, speech, and helping us eat. But it’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for what’s making it hurt. It could be the result of trauma, oral thrush, mouth ulcers, or other medical issues. 

And when a disease affects food intake, it will deprive the body of the necessary nutrients. This link between the disease and nutrient intake could be causing the burning sensations and tongue fissures. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, a fissured tongue often suffers from furrows. They are not typically painful on their own, but, you can irritate them and then they will become painful. Reports show that the incidence of tongue fissures or trauma is 5%. 

However, when there is chronic trauma, the body could become vulnerable to tongue sores. The same thing can happen with vitamin deficiency. Anything from zinc, vitamins B12 and B2, and folic-acid deficiency can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation of the tongue. 

In other words, the sore on the side of tongue doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Something triggers it, whether it’s a fungus, bacteria, trauma, or something else. 

What are the symptoms of sore tongue?

Depending on what’s causing the problem, you may experience a range of different symptoms, including:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Uncomfortable sores
• Change in texture (with spots or patches)
• Burning sensation
• Complete / partial loss of taste
• Change in color and taste

These symptoms are rarely a cause for concern. But, when the body is experiencing a serious health condition that could affect your oral health, then you should seek treatment. In the short term, practicing proper dental hygiene may also help.

What are the causes of sore tongue?

There is a range of various triggers that can cause tongue problems. Most of them heal on their own and are not a serious issue. In other cases, however, the pain, discoloration, and change in texture could be a sign of a more complex health issue.

That includes vitamin deficiency, oral cancer, or food allergies. Therefore, it’s critical to find a dentist or consult with a GP to find the exact cause. Here are the typical causes of tongue issues. 

• Trauma

You can easily damage this muscular organ. It doesn’t matter if you are chewing and enjoying your favorite food; you can accidentally bite the surface and damage the tissue. Eating anything that is either too cold or burning hot can cause blisters. Clenching and grinding the teeth can also have a similar impact. 

Based on a clinical study, most people hurt the anterior dorsum (the back of their tongue). It will take a while for the pain to subside. But, when the injury is mild, it will only cause some minor discomfort and soreness. In cases such as these, it’s best to wait for the injury to heal on its own. 

• Smoking

Cigarettes have a drastic impact on tongue sores. It can make people vulnerable to cancer, as well as mouth and throat problems. But, surprisingly, quitting can also be problematic for the mouth, though in a different manner. 

Research shows that when people stop smoking, they are prone to developing a tongue ulcer. Scientists studied over 1,200 smokers who stopped smoking for one week. 40% of them experienced mouth ulcers, mainly in the first two weeks of abstinence. 

Most of them had mild ulcers, while only 8% experienced severe discomfort. In 60% of volunteers, it took them four weeks for the mouth ulcers to completely disappear. 

The goal of the research is to prove that these lesions are just temporary, but they are very likely to form in dependent smokers. It is critical that patients overcome this boundary and stop their smoking habit. 

• Canker sores

Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are a typical problem. They cause soreness and pain. A canker is easy to recognize. It has the shape of a white, round, and tiny spot. Its border is red, and it makes it difficult to talk or eat. 

Studies show recurrent canker sores and aphthae (aphthous stomatitis) often form during adolescence and childhood. They affect 20% of the population and come in different types. Most or 80% of cases are minor sores. They are just 5mm in diameter and can heal in about seven to ten days.

The second is major sores. They take a couple of weeks to months to subside and could leave some scarring. The last canker sores are known as Herpetiform ulcers. They feature multiple ulcers and need a month to heal.   

There is no clear reason for what causes the canker sores. But it could be stress, large amounts of acidic and spicy food, illness, or hormonal fluctuations.

• Oral cancer

Mouth cancer can form on the tongue’s surface inside the squamous cells. It will form a patch or a sore on the tongue that is painful and uncomfortable. However, many sores from oral cancer do not heal on their own. Catch oral cancer early by consulting a dentist.

• Sjögren syndrome

This very rare autoimmune disorder affects 0.5% to 1% of the population. It is known for causing inflammation in the lacrimal and salivary glands that cause dry mouth. When the mouth is too dry, the tongue becomes fissured, resulting in damage and a higher risk of infections. 

• Inflammation

These red or white bumps, also known as transient lingual papillitis, cause discomfort and pain. They are usually the result of yeast or oral infection that’s affecting the tongue. It’s not uncommon to see white patches as well. Particularly if you have a poor immune system and regularly wear dentures. Some antibiotics and steroid inhalers can also cause oral thrush and tongue inflammation. 

• Food allergies and sensitivities

Some meals can do more harm than good. Being allergic to food or eating too many products with high acidity levels can cause tongue, mouth, and lip swelling. 

Reports show there are 32 million people in the US who have food allergies. 5.6 million of them are children younger than 18. It is critical to recognize the allergies and avoid foods that may trigger a reaction. 

According to a food allergy study from 2009 to 2010, 38.7% of 38,480 children had a severe reaction to allergic triggers. And in cases such as these, it is not uncommon to experience tongue sores. 

• Vitamin deficiencies

Vitamin deficiency, especially of folate, iron, and vitamin B12, can affect the color and texture of the tongue. When left unmanaged, it can cause a burning sensation and discomfort. 

• Burning tongue syndrome

This syndrome increases the sensitivity and sensation in your tongue. It can also affect the lips, gums, cheeks, and palate. Some people may experience a loss or change in taste. 

• Neuralgia

This condition is referring to the damage and nerve irritation that’s affecting the tongue. When you experience constant and recurring pain from an infection or trauma, it could be the result of neuralgia. The pain is usually intense. Whenever you try to swallow something, it triggers that discomfort. If you think you have this condition, it’s better to consult a dentist.

• Behcet’s illness

Behcet’s triggers inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the entire body. It rarely affects the tongue. But, when it does, people experience tongue sores that look quite similar to canker sores. Studies indicate that the primary cause for the illness is the genes and environmental impact. To manage the sores, you may need to control the illness. 

The treatment is different for each individual. Patients could use biological or non-biological therapies to control the health issue. However, to get rid of the illness, people will need to rely on non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments.

• Lichen planus

This chronic skin illness can affect the tongue. When the condition is mild, it doesn’t cause significant discomfort. But, the longer it develops, the bigger the chances of it becoming painful and creating red gums. 

• Moeller’s glossitis

Commonly referred to as the smooth or bald tongue, this problem can cause irritation, inflammation, and burning. The tongue might develop a glossy and smooth surface. It often appears as a result of anemia, celiac illness, or lack of B-12. 

• Specific medicines

Using anti-inflammatory medication, particularly beta-blockers and naproxen, can irritate the tongue. They can cause sores and discomfort. 

• Pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus typically appears in patients between the ages of 50 and 60. Even though it is a rare disorder, Pemphigus vulgaris can trigger tongue sores. It can also affect your genitalia. The sores will look like blisters, which could tear apart and ooze. This increases the risk of infection. 

Tongue conditions are typically diagnosed by your dentist, who will most likely suggest a blood sample to rule out any possible illnesses. After you get a diagnosis, you can find the ideal treatment. 

What are some home remedies for tongue conditions?

Oral hygiene should be on the top of your list. Brushing the teeth, flossing, and relying on a mouthwash can get rid of the sores and avoid infection. The key to soothing the soreness is to avoid using a toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. Other than that, you can try:

• Avoiding hot and spicy foods
• Rinsing the mouth with saltwater
• Gargling aloe vera juice
• Rinsing the mouth with half a cup of water and one teaspoon of baking soda
• Using diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide in equal parts of water
• Rinsing the mouth with chamomile tea

When should I see a dentist about a sore tongue?

Most tongue sores are not caused by a serious problem. The sore on the tongue can heal on its own. However, if a condition last longer than two weeks, you should consult your dentist.

Dentists can spot oral diseases or problems early, and a sore tongue can be an early indication of something worse. So, look for a dentist near you who will treat and diagnose your tongue pain.

Final thoughts

Most tongue pains, discomfort, and swelling are not a big problem. You can ignore them and wait for them to heal slowly. But, when the sores appear constantly, it becomes difficult to enjoy a meal, let alone get some sleep. 

If you think there is an underlying health issue that’s causing the tongue problems, talk to your dentist. They will pinpoint the  cause of your problem and offer the ideal solution. What matters is that you maintain proper oral hygiene and keep your nutrient intake in check. With tactics such as these, you can drastically reduce the risk of sores.

The post Experiencing a sore tongue? 15 causes and treatments for tongue pain appeared first on The Floss By Opencare.

JUMP TO: Canker Sores / Cold Sores / Leukoplakia / Oral Lichen Planus / Oral Thrush / Book a dentist online to diagnose

Is the inside of your mouth feeling uncomfortable? Do you notice painful white patches in your mouth? There are many reasons for these pesky white spots. And yes, while left untreated they may go away, however these white patches can be connected to health conditions that will need to be treated by either your doctor or dentist. If you noticed any of the symptoms above, keep reading to find out how you can get them under control.

Identifying your white patches

Canker Sores and Cold sores

Canker sores also called apthous ulcers, are often confused with cold sores, but they are completely different. A canker sore is an ulcer that develops on the inside of your mouth. A cold sore is a viral infection,  found on the outside of the mouth, usually the lips, and appears as a small fluid like blister. Unlike a canker sore, a cold sore is caused by the herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and can be easily spread if left untreated. A canker sore is more of a painful annoyance which can be left untreated.

Canker sores are one of the most common mouth complaints. Most people who have canker sores only experience them infrequently; however, around 20% to 30% have recurrent outbreaks. You might notice that a canker sores pops up three or four times a year and lasts for about a week. Complex canker sores are larger, more painful, and may last up to a month.

Causes of Canker Sores

Many things can cause a canker sore like: hormonal changes, stress, and physical mouth trauma Certain foods can also cause canker sores like  citrus fruits. Vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and zinc can also add to the problem.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

Canker sores form on the soft tissues of the mouth and gums. They are round or oval, and the edges are red, while the center is white or slightly yellow. You may feel a burning or tingling sensation before onset. Another symptom is a stinging pain, especially when you talk or eat.

Treatments for Canker Sores

To help treat your canker sores, rinse your mouth with saltwater or a baking soda and water mix. You can also put a small amount of milk of magnesia directly onto the sore. Both of these  methods can be done several times per day.

You should make a dentist appointment if your symptoms last over two weeks, get worse with home remedies, occur several times per year, or are severe. If your canker sores are combined with symptoms such as headache, fever, diarrhea, or skin rash, seek medical attention. Treatments for canker sores are aimed to ease the symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent secondary effects, such as a bacterial infection. They don’t guarantee you won’t develop these ulcers again in the future.

You may be prescribed one of three things to treat the infection and relieve pain like a steroid mouth rinse, anesthetics, or antibiotics to reduce inflammatory irritation.

Canker Sores Prevention

In general, canker sores are difficult to predict and prevent. Fortunately, once they’ve appeared, there are ways to ensure the situation doesn’t worsen. Try to avoid contact with your canker sores. Don’t continually touch them with your tongue and be careful when brushing your teeth. Avoid spicy, hot, and acidic foods and beverages. Also try not to eat sharp foods, such as chips.

Cold sores

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia should be taken seriously. While the majority of leukoplakia cases are benign, some can be precancerous.

Causes of Leukoplakia

Chewing tobacco and chronic smoking might cause leukoplakia, among other dental issues. Ill-fitting dentures, HIV or AIDS, and sun exposure to your lips have also been shown as possible causes of leukoplakia. In rare cases, oral cancer can be connected to leukoplakia as well.

Symptoms of Leukoplakia

Thick, white patches in your mouth that cannot be easily scraped off is the main symptom of leukoplakia. These patches can be flat or irregularly-shaped and tend to harden or thicken r over time. In severe cases, you may experience mild discomfort or pain when swallowing. Red lesions (erythroplakia) may appear. Leukoplakia with red lesions is more likely to be cancerous or precancerous.

Treatments for Leukoplakia

Anybody who has been diagnosed with leukoplakia, should stop using tobacco products immediately. If it’s determined your leukoplakia is caused by ill-fitting dentures, a rough tooth, or an irregular filling surface, a dentist can fix that problem. In the case a weakened immune system is contributing to your leukoplakia, you might be prescribed antiviral medications or topical treatments.

It’s important for your dentist or doctor to take a biopsy of your leukoplakia to rule out cancer. If necessary, it will be removed through oral surgery.

Leukoplakia Prevention

Once you have had leukoplakia, it can come back again. We suggest booking a follow-up appointment with your doctor and dentist.

Quitting both tobacco use and smoking is one of the best ways to prevent leukoplakia. Maintaining good oral hygiene goes a long way towards preventing leukoplakia. Another tip is to reduce alcohol and eat a diet rich in antioxidants.

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune condition characterized by the inflammation of mucous membranes in your mouth. Lichen planus can affect any lining mucosa, such as esophageal or vaginal mucosa, but it most commonly affects the oral cavity. Only 2 % of the population (and mainly older women) suffer from Oral lichen plus.

Causes of Oral lichen planus

Some experts suspect genetics and immunity may play a role. Others believe lichen planus might be an autoimmune disorder or a cell-mediated immune response. There’s been documented connections between oral lichen planus and the use of beta-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Symptoms of Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus causes white, lacy patches to form. Other symptoms include burning pain, bleeding gums while eating or brushing teeth, redness, open sores, and swelling. You might also experience a sensitivity to acidic or hot food.

Treatments for Oral lichen planus

Although there’s no cure for oral lichen planus, the symptoms can be managed. A dentist or doctor may prescribe topical, oral, or injectable corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. You may also be prescribed numbing gels to help decrease any pain.

Additionally, some people may receive medications to suppress or control the immune system. Be aware oral lichen planus can raise your risk of secondary infections, nutritional deficiencies, and oral cancer. It’s highly recommended for those with oral lichen planus to have regular checkups.

Oral lichen planus Prevention

Although oral lichen planus may not be totally prevented, you can lower your risk of developing it by eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and by limiting alcohol and tobacco use.

Oral Thrush

Everyone has a small amount s of the candida fungus in their mouths, digestive tracts, and skin. These are kept at healthy levels by other bacteria and microorganisms. However, this balance can get thrown off and  if the fungus candida grows too much, you can develop oral thrush.

Causes of Oral Thrush

There are several reasons you might develop oral thrush (a candida overgrowth) such as:  medications like antibiotics, birth control pills, and corticosteroids.. You can also develop oral thrush if you have cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, HIV infection, dry mouth, or are pregnant.

If you smoke, wear improperly-fitted dentures, are breastfeeding an infected baby, or have poor oral hygiene a candida overgrowth can occur

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can appear as white sores that are slightly raised with a cottage cheese appearance.Typically the sores appear on the tongue or inner cheeks, but can be found on the gums, tonsils, roof of the mouth, or back of the throat.

Oral thrush may give you a cotton-like feeling in your mouth. It can cause irritation,pain, a loss of taste, redness, and cracking or bleeding at the corner of your mouth. If you notice these symptoms, get yourself to the dentist or your family doctor.

Treatments for Oral Thrush

Remedies that help  fight oral thrush include gargling with salt water, quitting or reducing tobacco use, limiting sugar, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Your dentist or doctor may also prescribe you an antifungal medication.

Oral thrush may be a symptom of another medical problem, your dentist may recommend speaking with a doctor about any possible underlying health issues.

Oral Thrush Prevention

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent oral thrush.

Brush and floss daily, if you wear dentures, clean them every day, and make sure to see a dentist regularly. If you use a corticosteroid inhaler, make sure to rinse your mouth after taking the medication. Treat vaginal yeast infections quickly. Limit your sugar intake, and if you have diabetes, make sure to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Worried About White Patches?

Want to once-and-for-all to determine the cause of the white patches in your mouth? Start by finding a dentist in your area with Opencare.

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Most of us have had a canker sore at some point. Despite their regularity, these tiny ulcers are largely misunderstood and often mistaken for cold sores. Let’s explore the most effective canker sore treatment.

What is a canker sore?

Aphthous ulcers, popularly called canker sores, are small and shallow lesions that develop in the lining of the mouth — affecting about 20% of the general population. Girls and women are more likely to develop canker sores than boys and men. Although they typically begin in childhood, they’re more common in our teens and 20s. Then they become less frequent as we get older.

Two to four canker sores typically appear at the same time. Different types include:

• Minor canker sores are most common. They’re usually about 1/4 inch in diameter. These tiny ulcers are round or oval and have a red border
• Major canker sores are larger — typically ½ inch in diameter or larger — and in some cases may be up to 1 inch in diameter or more. Compared to minor canker sores, these larger ones are round and will likely have defined borders. (In larger ones, some canker sores can have irregular edges. Extensive scarring remains once the sores are healed. 
• Herpetiform canker sores are a rare type of canker sore and tend to develop later in life. They’re about the size of a pinpoint and tend to develop in clusters of 10 to 100 sores. The clusters may join and form one large ulcer with irregular edges.

Although uncomfortable and painful, canker sores tend to heal on their own and don’t cause any additional problems in most cases. Make sure to see the dentist if you experience intense pain and in situations when canker sores are numerous, large, or seem out of the ordinary.

What are the symptoms of canker sores?

Generally speaking, canker sores are round or oval. They usually have a white or yellow center and red border. The most common areas where they develop include the base of the gums, inside the cheeks or lips, the roof of your mouth, and on or under your tongue.

You’ll likely notice a burning sensation or tingling a day or two before canker sores appear. In some cases, canker sores may come along with other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, feeling unwell, or even a fever. Canker sore treatment helps mitigate this pain.

What is the white stuff in a canker sore?

Canker sores can be frustrating, and to most people, the “white stuff” is particularly uncomfortable. But don’t worry; that’s just the fibrin membrane. Fibrin is a protein that plays a role in physiological responses. The human body responds to canker sores by forming a protective layer made up of fibrin over the ulcer. Fibrin cover or membrane is usually white (but it can be yellowish or grayish) because it’s a type of scar tissue. The role of this membrane is to protect the sore while the body heals it. Canker sore treatment will help reduce the white and red sore.

What causes canker sores?

A combination of different factors may trigger the formation of these tiny ulcers. These can include:

• Emotional stress 
• Mouth injury due to overzealous brushing, dental work, accidental cheek bites, sports accidents, etc.
• Hormonal imbalances during menstruation
• Toothpaste and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate 
• Helicobacter pylori (bacteria that cause peptic ulcers too)
• Insufficient consumption of vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and iron
• Allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth
• Food allergies and sensitivities especially to coffee, chocolate, eggs, strawberries, candy, cheese, nuts, acidic and spicy foods
• Certain conditions and diseases such as celiac disease, HIV/AIDS, Behcet’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, immune system problem 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sharp tooth surface or dental appliances such as ill-fitting dentures and braces 
• Viral infection 

Are canker sores contagious?

No! Unlike other types of sores that develop in the mouth, canker sores are not contagious. We can’t develop a canker sore when sharing a kiss with someone who has it, for example. Canker sore treatment will help get rid of the sore itself, but it’s important to know that you cannot spread canker sores.

What is the difference between canker sores and cold sores?

Canker sores are often mistaken for cold sores and vice versa. To recognize and treat sores in the mouth properly, it’s important to learn their differences. Cold sores are a cluster of blisters that are clear at first but become cloudy later. While the first infection may be inside the mouth, cold sores generally develop outside the mouth on the lips. On the other hand, canker sores develop inside the mouth only.  Canker sore treatment is only for inside the mouth, not around the lips.

Besides location, another point of difference between these two types of sores is their cause. While canker sores are typically caused by something incidental, cold sores are caused by a viral infection called herpes simplex virus (HSV). The HSV is prevalent, and figures show 50% of children entering kindergarten, and 90% of adults have it, but not all people experience symptoms. 

The initial infection with HSV is quite similar to those of other viral infections and may include symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, fatigue, and multiple sores on gums and mouth. Recurrent infections are milder and are usually associated with a burning or tingling sensation a day or two before the sores appear (similar to canker sores). The cold sores are, basically, fluid-filled blisters that later become cloudy. Once the blisters are broken to reveal a bright red area, they tend to dry up, crust, and heal within seven to 10 days.

While canker sores are not contagious and can’t spread through person-to-person contact, sharing utensils, and other similar ways, cold sores are contagious. HSV can be be transmitted through any contact with blisters until the sore is healed.

How long do canker sores last?

Canker sores usually last one to two weeks and tend to go away without treatment. Burning and tingling sensations usually come first, and we experience those symptoms a day or two before canker sores show up. Then, within one to three days, a canker sore progresses from a spot into a tiny ulcer. Over the next three to four days, the ulcer enlarges to its final size and stabilizes before the healing process starts. Depending on the canker sore treatment and your body, your canker sore should be gone within 2 weeks.

In most people, it takes seven to 14 days for a canker sore to resolve itself. However, major sores may take several weeks to resolve. 

The first stage of the healing process is the prodromal (beginning stage), and it is the period before the formation of the ulcer. During this stage, we feel the well-known burning sensation and tingling before a painful raised red area inside our mouth. The formation of a yellowish or grayish ulcer marks the next stage of the healing process. Redness around the ulcer is more pronounced, and pain is more intense. The final stage of the healing process occurs when a healthy tissue starts closing over the ulcer. The canker sore becomes smaller, and the pain goes away. 

What gets rid of canker sores fast?

They don’t require treatment, but if you’re concerned because it’s persisting, you may wish to consult a doctor or make a dentist appointment. Canker sore treatment can often be done with home remedies, but if it is a persistent and recurring problem, it could be a good idea to see your dentist. This is particularly the case with persistent or unusually painful sores, which may require medical care.

Various options are available to help canker sores heal faster and go away. 

• Your dentist or healthcare provider may prescribe a mouth rinse containing the steroid dexamethasone to alleviate pain and inflammation or lidocaine to decrease pain. Mouth rinse usually works when several canker sores are formed.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter topical products can help reduce pain and accelerate the healing process. These products work when we apply them directly onto a sore as soon as they appear. In most cases, they include active ingredients such as benzocaine, fluocinonide, and hydrogen peroxide.
• In cases when canker sores are severe and don’t respond to other options, oral medications can be helpful. These medications are not specifically formulated for canker sores, but they can help.

Canker sore home remedies

• Gargle with a homemade mouth rinse containing 1tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water for effective canker sore relief
• Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply a small amount of sesame oil on a canker sore four times a day for five days
• Apply salt directly to your sore: this may hurt really bad for about 30 seconds, but it is effective
• Avoid irritants such as spicy and acidic food like citrus fruits and tomatoes
• Drink cold fluids with a straw
• Maintain regular dental hygiene (use a soft toothbrush)
• Modify your diet so that it contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals to correct nutrient deficiencies 
• Manage stress 
• Avoid chewing gum
• Apply ice or tiny amounts of milk of magnesia directly onto the sores to alleviate pain and promote healing
• And, although rubbing alcohol may seem like it should be a simple canker sore home remedy, it won’t help. It will instead produce more pain and irritation.
• See a dentist for tips on avoiding canker sores

Why does salt help canker sores?

Rinsing the mouth with salt water is an effective management strategy for canker sores treatment or healing process after the procedure for gum inflammation. Salt helps us in two ways.

First, saltwater raises pH in the mouth. As a result, the oral cavity becomes more alkaline. The alkaline environment is harmful to bacteria, and they can’t thrive there.

When it comes to canker sores, rinsing the mouth with salt water helps clean and dehydrate the sore to promote healing, but it can also temporarily numb the pain. Keep in mind it may be painful at first, but the numbing sets in fast. Try to rinse your mouth or gargle with salt water a few times a day. 

Concerned about canker sores?

Canker sores are stubborn and able to affect a person’s confidence. Fortunately, this problem is manageable, but if you’re really concerned, you should see a dentist.

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