Canker sores can make simple tasks like eating, drinking, and talking painful. While it may be tempting to avoid your oral hygiene routine when you have one, keeping up with brushing and flossing is essential for the healing process. At Downers Grove Dental Spa, your Dentist in Woodway, we’ve created a quick guide to help you understand and manage canker sores.

What Do Canker Sores Look Like?

Canker sores are small, round, reddish sores that typically appear on the soft tissues inside your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, or at the base of your gums. Sometimes, they may have a yellow or white center.

What Causes Canker Sores?

Several factors can trigger canker sores, including:

• Injuries: Biting your lip or cheek, trauma from sports, or even vigorous brushing can cause canker sores.
• Toothpaste Sensitivity: Some people are sensitive to sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient in many toothpastes, which can trigger sores.
• Diet: Foods such as chocolate, eggs, nuts, or spicy foods may cause sores in some people. A diet low in vitamin B-12 or zinc can also contribute to their formation.

What Can You Do to Heal Them?

The best way to combat canker sores is to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day, being gentle around the sore.
• Floss daily to keep your gums and teeth clean.
• Use a mouthwash designed for canker sores to help speed healing.

Avoiding the sore while brushing can lead to plaque buildup, which will only delay healing. Most canker sores heal within a week, but if you find that they persist or recur frequently, it’s time to visit your Dentist in Woodway for a professional assessment.

When to See a Dentist

If your canker sore isn’t healing or is causing significant pain, schedule a visit to Downers Grove Dental Spa. Our expert team will evaluate your oral health and provide advice on how to manage and prevent future sores.

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, contact us today. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile!