Creating life smiles

Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores | Cosmetic Dentist Wilmington

Wilmington, NC Dentist

Hampstead Cosmetic Dentist

A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. Our dentist in 28411 has put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What do they look like?

Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.

What causes them?

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.

What can I do?

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice. 

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our Wilmington, NC dental office. We look forward to seeing you.

The Dental Studio
Phone: (910) 756-5100
9020 Senca Drive
Wilmington, NC 28411

Learn Why Our Patients Love Us

Wilmington, NC Dentist

“My experience at The Dental Studio was nothing but great from the moment I walked in. Dr. Long and the staff are all very welcoming and knowledgeable. I can’t wait to go back!”


Read More Testimonials

Visit Our Wilmington Office

Wilmington, NC Dentist

9020 Senca Drive
Wilmington, NC 28411

info@thedentalstudionc.com

910-756-5100

 

Serving Wilmington, Scott's Hill, Porters Neck, Hampstead, & Surrounding areas.

Request an Appointment

Get Directions

Read Our Wilmington Dental News

Wilmington, NC Dentist

March 15, 2023

Preventing Enamel Erosion | 28411 Cosmetic Dentist

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you

Read More »»

March 1, 2023

Oral Hygiene at Work | Cosmetic Dentist Wilming...

Do you brush your teeth after lunch? If you’re one of the millions of people who work outside the home, chances are you don’t have

Read More »»

February 15, 2023

Do I Really Need an Exam? | Cosmetic Dentist 28411

It’s highly likely that after visiting our practice, you understand the value of a thorough, professional dental cleaning. It’s also li...

Read More »»