Canker sore

A canker sore or aphthous ulcer is a painful mouth sore. It can appear on the inner surface of the cheeks or palate. Typically it starts off as one painful bump that goes on to becoming an open ulcer. It can be accompanied by fever or uneasiness. Appearance of canker sores can be attributed to stress, hormonal fluctuations, food allergies, deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid, lack of sleep and immune reactions. Dental braces can often lead to aphthous ulcers. Canker sores take about a week to heal. Maintaining good oral hygiene and getting routine dental checkups can prevent such a condition. Zinc supplements, anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics are most often prescribed. A person suffering canker sores must avoid hot and spicy food. Applying Milk of Magnesia or diluted hydrogen peroxide can aid the healing. In very severe cases, corticosteroids are prescribed.