Mouth Sores: Should I Be Worried?

What Mouth Sores Mean For Your Dental Health

Seeing a mouth sore develop in your mouth can be a nerve-wracking thing. Mouth sores are most often caused by stress on the tissues in the mouth, which can be triggered by a number of things.

Lesions typically develop when tissue damage or stress occurs. This can be due to a high quantity of acidic substances, such as lemons, pineapples, apples, and more. However, sometimes they can be an indication of more serious health problems, such as immune system deficiencies, poor dental care, and more. Keeping up with a thorough dental routine daily and attending regular dental services can help prevent mouth sores from developing.

How To Recognize A Mouth Sore

A mouth sore or canker sore can often be confused with a cold sore, pimple, or other similar-looking issues. Unlike cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex type 1, canker sores are most often harmless. Depending on the cause of the sore, it may reoccur, even if it is not due to a serious problem. However, if you experience persistent and painful sores in your mouth, it is recommended you contact your dental health provider for a consult.

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Sores in the mouth can vary in appearance but are commonly associated with swelling and irritation. Sometimes they can be raised and filled like blisters while other times a fissure will develop, like an ulcer. Where they appear and what they look like will vary based on what is causing the ulcer.

What Causes Mouth Sores

Mouth sores can be caused by a number of irritants, including ill-fitting dentures, loose braces, injury to the mouth, acidic foods and drinks, and tobacco use. Oftentimes, we simply bite our lip when chewing and a mouth sore can develop. While they may be a bit of an annoyance until they are in the healing process, these are often harmless and don’t require any special attention. If a sore lasts more than five days, talk to your dental provider.

If you develop a sore that is particularly painful or uncomfortable, Dr. Beaufils recommends you have your dentist take a look to determine if any action should be taken. Some mouth sores can be cancerous, so it is important to discuss any worrisome developments to your health care provider.

How To Handle a Mouth Sore

First of all, stay calm. Painful sores are not always an indication of a more serious health problem. Many sores begin the healing process on their own and clear up within a few days. If you notice a mouth sore developing in your mouth, keep an eye on it. Monitor how irritated it is and how painful it is to talk, eat, or drink. If you are in an extreme amount of pain, are experiencing a fever, or developing sores in other areas of your body, contact your primary health care provider.

Don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns with your dentist! Dr. Lloyd Beaufils and the whole team at Beaufils Dental are always available to answer any of your dental health questions.

Need A Board-Certified Dentist?

Don’t wait until the problem gets worse! Dental health problems can be scary, but you don’t have to go through them alone. The team at Beaufils Dental is dedicated to providing residents of Cooper City with superior dental services. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Beaufils, contact our office today!