One of the more common oral health issues is canker sore. This sore is a type of ulcer that forms on the inside of the mouth. It’s caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, stress, and poor oral hygiene. Since this is so common, it’s important to know how to treat them.
In this blog post, we will discuss the various ways you can go about treating canker sores and help you get through your day-to-day dental care without any trouble.
What Is A Canker Sore?
This is a small, red, painful lesion on the inside lip or cheek. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This often clears up within a few weeks without any treatment. However, they may occasionally relapse and require treatment with an antiviral medication.
These sores are very common and usually occur on the inside of the lower lip. They may also be found on the upper lip, near the nose, or on the cheeks. The cause is unknown, but these sores are thought to spread from person to person through close contact, such as kissing.
Is It Ok To Go To The Dentist?
Yes, you can go to the dentist with a canker sore. Typically, these are not a reason to avoid going to the dentist. In most cases, they can be treated with over-the-counter medication and/or an appointment at the dentist’s office.
If you have a severe canker sore, it might be best to avoid going to the dentist until the sore has healed. In that case, you might need to see a specialist. Once your pain is severe or if there is visible pus or fluid from the sore, you may need to see a doctor for further treatment.
If you have any questions about going to the dentist with a canker sore, please contact your doctor or dentist.
How Can You Treat It?
Canker sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Treatment typically involves culturing the sore and identifying the type of HSV that is present, then selecting an appropriate antiviral medication.
For most people, taking a prophylactic analgesic daily will also be helpful. If viral activity is high or there is pain on sucks, antibiotics may also be prescribed. Treatment generally takes 7-14 days and should be repeated if symptoms recur.
Home remedies that are effective include applying a hot compress, topical antiviral cream or ointment, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. If the sore is on the lip or tongue, topical numbing agents can also be helpful.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Its Treatment?
The most common risk is that the treatment may not be effective, which can lead to more canker sores. There are a few risks associated with canker sore treatment.
Treatment could cause it to worse
Canker sore treatments might also cause irritation, pain, or redness which could lead to a secondary infection.
Treatment could cause the surrounding tissues to die
If the canker sore is not treated on time, it might cause the surrounding tissues to die. This could lead to further infection.
Treatment could cause scarring
If this sore is not treated quickly, it might cause scarring. This could lead to a limitation in movement or eating.
Conclusion
As with any type of medical procedure, it’s always important to consult with a doctor or dentist before making any decisions. However, if you do have a canker sore and are wondering if going to the dentist is an option, it’s generally safe to go. Just keep in mind that you may want to avoid eating anything acidic for two days beforehand — this will help reduce the chances of getting a secondary infection from the dental office. Thanks for reading!