Why Do I Get Canker Sores on my Gumline?

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are considered to be small shallow lesions. They usually appear to be small, white, yellow or gray in the center with a flat red border. Typically, canker sores develop on soft tissues like in your mouth or at the base of your gums, otherwise known as the gumline. They are not to be mistaken with cold sores since these lesions are not contagious nor do they form on the surface of the lips. However, canker sores can be painful causing discomfort while eating or talking.

Why do I get Canker Sores?

The exact causes of canker sores are not known. However, many researchers suspect that genetics plays a role, as well as many other possible factors.

These factors may include (but are not limited to):

• A minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps or an accidental cheek bite
• Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate
• Food sensitivities, commonly from chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods
• Vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron deficiencies
• An allergic response to certain bacteria in your mouth
• Hormonal shifts
• Emotional stress
• Other diseases such as Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Behcet’s disease, or HIV/AIDS

How to Prevent and Treat Canker Sores:

In order to keep a canker sore from coming, try brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush after meals and floss daily. By doing so, you are helping your mouth to keep clean by getting rid of small particles of certain foods can trigger canker sores to occur.

If you have already developed a canker sore, there are over-the-counter products typically in the form of topical gels that are applied directly to the canker sore. If you experience any discomfort or pain from the canker sore an over-the-counter ibuprofen can help, as well. You can also try to avoid using toothpaste with the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate, as this can be a trigger for some individuals of a canker sore.

If you are someone who persistently gets canker sores, you should consider contacting Wells Family Dental Group for an appointment to speak with a dentist. At the appointment, the dentist can diagnose and discuss treatment to limit the development of canker sores.