What to Know about Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are a very miserable thing to have. They are also fairly common among both children and adults. As a result, you should know a little bit about what mouth sores are and how to treat them in case you or a loved one ever gets them. They can sometimes be impossible to avoid, but if you are having a big issue with them you can speak to your Simi Valley dentist to find a more permanent solution.

A Little Bit about Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are normally small areas that are swollen and tender. They may be a different color than the rest of the mouth. They are usually caused by irritation in the mouth. They can occur on the insides of the cheek, on the gums, on the tongue, on the lips, and just about anywhere else in the mouth. The biggest drivers behind mouth sores are braces, chewing tobacco, irritation from a broken tooth, burns from hot foods, and the biting of an area. There are also cold sores and canker sores that can come from heat, stress, hormone changes, or illnesses. Cold sores are contagious, while canker sores and mouth sores are not. Mouth sores can be avoided by chewing slowly, using a soft toothbrush, avoiding hot foods, and keeping sharp things out of the mouth.

The Treatment of Mouth Sores

If you have a small mouth sore, you can treat it at home on your own. They will usually go away on their own within a week or two. However, you can speed up the process by avoiding hot or spicy foods or gargling salt water in the area of your mouth where the sore is. You can also eat Popsicles to help relieve the sore – this is an especially great treatment for children. Some pain relievers can help as well. If you have a canker sore, you can create a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it to the top of the sore. If your mouth sore does not go away in two weeks or is bothering you consistently, go see your Simi Valley dentist to get professional help.