Do you get mouth sores and wonder why? Educate yourself on the common types and potential treatments below:
Candidiasis
A problem for those with poor health, candidiasis is a fungus growing in the moist tissue of the mouth and is also known as “oral thrush.” This is basically a yeast infection. Candidates of candidiasis are the immune deficient, the very old, and the very young. Antifungal medication can be prescribed by your doctor to lend in healing.
Leukoplakia
Caused by irritating an area of soft-tissues in the mouth, the cells there begin to reproduce rapidly, forming a rough, mottled-looking, whitish patch. The source of the irritant could be braces, dentures, nighttime bruxism, anxiety, medication, and more. Tobacco has been pinpointed as a factor. While generally, it is benign and not a source of pain, leukoplakia has been associated with oral cancer. Ask your dentist to take a biopsy if suspicious.
Canker Sores
White or gray small sores with a red border that are caused by trauma to the mouth. They are not contagious and will heal on their own within a couple of weeks. While uncomfortable, they shouldn’t be painful.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are very contagious herpes simplex virus outbreaks that appear as blisters around the mouth. Once contracted, it cannot be cured and will stay in the body for the life of the carrier, easily transmitted when flaring up. You can experience flu-like symptoms when first infected, and outbreaks last about a week if allowed to heal. Antiviral meds can speed recovery.
If you’ve developed mouth sores and need advice, call Drs. Ball and Broadbent and our team at Dental Center. You can make an appointment at: 801.224.6165, or come by our office in Orem, Utah.