Canker Sores and Cold Sores in Markham, ON

Canker sores are potentially painful small ulcers that develop in the mouth. Although it is unclear what causes them, and they typically resolve themselves quickly, we can address any concerns you might have. If you find them happening frequently or not healing, let us know. Our dentist may be able to diagnose an underlying condition.

While there are not always definitive causes of canker sores and cold sores in Markham, ON, these are possible reasons they occur:

Stress
Tissue injury from your tooth or a dental appliance
Citrus fruits, or acidic fruits or vegetables
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
A reaction to food allergy or an ingredient in your toothpaste or mouthwash
Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can cause peptic ulcers

Some risk factors include an underlying health condition, such as poor immunity, HIV/AIDS, lupus, or Behcet’s disease. You may also have vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, iron deficiency, or gastrointestinal disorders like celiac or Crohn’s. Canker sores in Markham, ON, are also more common in women and may be hereditary.

Symptoms, treatment, and prevention

There are a few primary characteristics our dentist look for to diagnosis a canker sore:

A painful sore inside your tongue, soft palate, lip, or cheek
A tingling or burning sensation before the sore even develops
Round, white or grey sores with red around the edge

Pain from canker sores usually dissipate quickly, and they heal without treatment within approximately one week. For bigger, painful sores that last longer, we may recommend:

A prescription mouthwash with a steroid or painkiller
An oral medication, such as those used to treat ulcers and gout, and steroid pills
Nutritional supplements in the case of a vitamin deficiency
Cautery with dental lasers or chemicals

Topical products, such as medicated gels, creams, pastes, and liquids
Mouth rinses with salt or baking soda in warm water
Milk of magnesia placed on a cotton swab dabbed on the sore

To help avoid canker sores in Markham, ON, avoid chewing gum or eating spicy, citric, or acidic foods that can irritate your mouth. You can also brush your teeth with soft bristles after eating and flossing your teeth daily to keep food out.

Cold sore treatments

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, are made up of painful blisters filled with fluid. They are highly contagious and usually develop outside of your mouth, such as on your nose, lip, or chin. Further, cold sores are caused by a virus.

While they generally clear up without treatment in a couple of weeks, you may try:

Prescription antiviral medications, available as topical creams, pills, or injections

Lysine, an amino acid that is available as an oral supplement and as a cream
Stress reduction via relaxation techniques, deep-breathing exercises, and meditation
Synthetic beeswax, available as a 3% ointment
Rhubarb and sage in a cream formulation

A consultation for assessment

At 7 Days Dental, we are committed to your complete oral health. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your canker sores or cold sores at our Markham dental office.