What’s a canker sore?

Have you ever experienced that awkward moment where you ate something too spicy and started feeling pain in your mouth? Or maybe, the sudden outbreak of tiny yet painful sores inside your cheek or on your tongue has left you bewildered. Worry not; it’s probably just an inconvenience known as canker sore (or is it?). Let’s explore more about what exactly is happening when those sluggish wounds decide to pay us a visit.

The Unwelcomed Guest

A canker sore, also called aphthous stomatitis, is defined as an open wound or ulcer that appears inside the mouth lining or at the base of gums. Now before we move ahead like nothing happened, let me reiterate: IT’S AN OPEN WOUND INSIDE YOUR MOUTH! (Savour this gross fact for minutes).

Canker sores are usually circular with a red border and white/yellow center- but don’t worry they’re not mini vampire bites (sorry to burst that bubble!). They range from irritatingly small up to half an inch big (which in comparison to other day-to-day life problems might seem minuscule till irritation takes over).

Types Of Canker Sores

There are two types which act as major culprits behind its immunosuppressively annoying existence:

Simple Caner Sores

These sneaky little buggers measure less than 1cm in diameter and last only for around one week. But during their short stay- guests wake up multiple times along the way by inflicting burning pain across hosts’ mouths!

Complex Canker Sores

On the other hand, these monstrosities take forever (2 weeks) before deciding whether they would leave gracefully afterward! As if that weren’t enough torture already —these cruelest forms bring upon excruciating pain alongside unwanted company such as fever, swollen lymph nodes etc.

Causes Of Canker Sores

Sadly, unless you are bursting to hear that consuming too many candies results in uncomfortably small wounds— the exact causes of canker sores haven’t yet been determined. But! Here’s what we do know (Oh yeah it’s time for SCIENCE):

  • Trauma from biting the inside of your cheek or toothbrush bristles.
  • Food allergies
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstrual cycle
  • Poor oral hygiene aka ignoring teeth-brushing rituals
  • Side effects of medications like ibuprofen & aspirin. Did you think they had no repercussions?

Diagnosis Time!

We’re not claiming that being able to self-diagnose your physical irregularities is a feather in one’s cap but if these symptoms sound familiar; then congratulations (Irony exists even here people!), welcome aboard to this unpleasant excursion:

Symptoms Too Late
Painful ulcers As big as 1/2 inch (sometimes)
Semi-transparent, yellowish-grey center with a red border White patches

If still confused, let that medical protrusion do its magic and TRYING getting yourself checked already!

But Why Me! : The Risk Factors

Even though everyone can get a ticket, some factors make one more susceptible toward contracting these unwelcomed guests than others:

Age Factor

Canker sores predominantly happen between teenagers,& adults below 40 years old’ demographics’.

Hereditary Reasons

It has also been observed in limited genetics cases passing on this infamy through families.

Gender Fact(s)

Ladies seem to fall victim more often than men when compared statically yes science is doing us dirty favours sometimes.

Complications? Oh boy!

90% phew… right? Not quite (Wise guys knew where this was heading!). Although, they normally go away on their own but that’s not always the case. Sometimes these wounds just welcome more and more company till it starts becoming a VIP healers’ appointment.

Other complications can include:

Infection

Unfortunately improper bodily hygiene or strains of bacteria/viruses for e.g. HIV; Cold Sores…..can infect this wound rooming inside your mouth.

Speech Problems

These visitors sometimes make the day even brighter by acting like movie extras with an impressive ability to slow down speech as efficiently as possible!

Treatment Time: Where The Home Remedies Come On Board!

Think about specific ways in which you comfort yourself when feeling ill, maybe cupping cold water over feet? YES! Same fundamental concept also dwells here — atleast before dragging butt towards those intimidating hospital white rooms.

SALT WATERS!!!

Salty tears are NOT enough (don’t get me started on salty snacks!), but Saltwater gargle rinse once every few hours works wonders- almost feels spa-ish with its relaxing remedial magic(the dentist might even agree someday…we hope!). The salt’s antiseptic properties help decrease inflammation and stimulate blood circulation speeding up that healing process.

STD? Sorry …What?

Can’t have people spreading rumors now, right?
BUTTT present times require cautious social role-play so hear us out:

Sometimes Canker sores exactly mimic symptoms of certain sexually transmitted diseases and subject-related confirmation is compulsory. Herpes simplex virus can cause one to experience herpetic stomatitis too(PSA moment).

Potassium Chlorate-WATER RINSE!!

The dreaded enemy doesn’t stand a chance when faced against potassium chlorate solution/water mixture made from some prescribed tablet form only though!!

Quick tip- keep calm & ask pharmacists regarding quantity tips.

Conclusion

Bye-bye pain… hello world !! Finally back at perfect peace kinda feels like new beginnings. But before signing off, here’s last piece of wisdom:
Even though quite a few measures can be taken to reduce the occurrence of this menace still don’t go all doctor strange on yourself! A regular check-up with your family-physician ensures nothing significant is disturbing that pretty mouth of yours (okay maybe they’re not the prettiest…but they sure deserve some credit & care!)

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