Signs & SymptomsCANKER SORES
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Round or ovoid lesions that often have a slight "yellow-white" color and are surrounded by a "reddish-halo". Commonly called " canker-sores" they tend NOT to occur on the gums, roof of the mouth or top; of the tongue. These ulcers usually last 7-10 days and their cause is not entirely known. Significant proportions of those people that have recurrent canker sores have shown to be deficient in: iron, folic acid and vitamin 12. Canker sores have also been associated with; menstruation, stress, allergies and an impaired immune system. Occasionally these mouth sores may be associated with a chronic low white blood cell count, a feeling of weakness, chills, high fever, and possibly a sore throat. Low white blood count can be related to a drug sensitivity (either over the counter products or prescription products) or possibly a related chronic systemic illness. Avoid triggering foods: often nuts, chocolate, acidic fruits. Avoid trauma: toothbrush trauma, cheek biting, etc.. Avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate often found in most toothpaste. Avoid the" tarter- control" toothpaste. For relief, cleanse the area with " Listerine" or by prescription " peridex" and then rinse your mouth with a mixture (mixed 50/50) of elixir of "Benadryl" (generic is diphenylhydramine) and "Kaopectate" and then apply either "Zilactin B" or "Orabase B" or by prescription is "Aphthasol". Supplement your diet with a very high potency multi-vitamin with iron. If you are taking any over the counter medications either stop or change to something else; i.e. if on ibuprofen change to extra strength tylenol. If the pain continues to persist call your dentist or physician for prescriptions of topical and systemic steroids, (topical steroid recommended is " Kenalog in Orabase" applied three times a day and systemic steroid is Prednisone, 10 mg, two tablets in the morning and two in the afternoon for five days) If persists for more than 14 days see your dentist or physician and have blood test ordered.
©1998, Jeffrey Kohlhardt DDS, 1204 Cottonwood Street, Suite 4
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13. CANKER SORES ( APHTHOUS
ULCERS)