A Family Dentist in Tucson Answers Mouth Sore FAQs

Your family dentist deals with issues related to mouth sores on a regular basis. Dentists can answer various questions and help mouths heal. Read on to find out what your local dentist has to say about mouth sores.

What are the types of mouth sores?

People suffer from a variety of mouth sores. Identification of the sore is the first step in treatment.

Canker sores

Canker sores are small, white sores that appear on the tongue, lips and inner cheeks. These painful sores are common, although the cause is unclear.

Cold sores

Cold sores are not as common as canker sores. These skin lesions can be found on the lips, and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Burning pain, lip numbness and itching are all symptoms.

Oral herpes

Oral herpes is caused by a viral infection. The infection causes fever, painful sores, gum swelling and redness.

Leukoplakia

People who have white or gray patches inside their mouths might have leukoplakia. This occurs from excessive cell growth due to chronic irritation. Smokers and smokeless tobacco users often suffer from this.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis, or oral thrush, is essentially a yeast infection in the mouth. People will find white and red patches inside the mouth. Oral thrush can make it difficult to eat and might lead to halitosis.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a rash in the mouth. These sores usually present as white spots or lesions and are caused by chronic immune system reactions.

Erythroplakia

Erythroplakia consists of a red patch that is located inside the mouth. Caused by chronic irritation, erythroplakia requires a biopsy to rule out cancer.

What are treatment options for mouth sores?

People have various treatment options at their disposal when dealing with mouth sores. Some treatments occur at the dentist's office, while others can be performed at home.

At-home treatments

At-home treatments are usually the first option when dealing with a mouth sore. There are various treatments available to address the different issues that result from mouth sores. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer, and do not use an at-home treatment for more than two weeks.

Dental treatments

People who have mouth sores for more than two weeks need to visit their family dentist. The dentist will take a biopsy to ensure it is not cancerous. The biopsy will be sent to the lab for testing. The dentist will also treat the sore.

Is it possible to prevent mouth sores?

While some issues might pop up from time to time, people can reduce the risk of mouth sores. Avoid tobacco products, and limit alcoholic beverages. Also, avoid irritating the gums and tongue.

Some foods and oral hygiene products could also be the cause of mouth sores. Write down all food, beverages, and oral hygiene products used, and take the list to the dentist. Stop eating, drinking or using products that cause the sores to prevent occurrences.

Get treatment for your mouth sores

Mouth sores are uncomfortable. Follow steps to prevent sores and try at-home treatment options if sores do pop up. If the sores do not go away, see your family dentist. The dentist can determine the cause and treatment protocol to eliminate the sores.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.