Canker sores
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-20-12Last update: 2010-01-01
Canker sores are painful open wounds which affect the oral mucosa.
How they work:
The cause of canker sores hasn’t yet been fully determined, but they appear to be the immune system’s reaction to an infection in the oral mucosa.
The body’s defence mechanisms:
Canker sores are part of the body’s natural defence mechanism.
Risk factors:
- There are no known risk factors.
Prevention:
- Rinse your mouth twice a day with Chlorhexidine, which can be bought from a pharmacy
- Take Longovital tablets three times a day, which can be bought from a pharmacy
- Use toothpaste which doesn’t contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
What will your dentist/dental hygienist do?
Your dentist/dental hygienist can only help by providing information and prescribing painkillers and disinfectants to reduce pain – there are currently no known cures for outbreaks of canker sores.