Canker Sores On The Gums: How Brushing May Contribute To Them

Posted on: 14 June 2017

Canker sores are painful when they develop, especially when they appear on the gums. What may surprise many is that brushing their teeth and gums may contribute to this problem. While not serious, it may require treatment in specific circumstances.

Canker Sores On Gums Can Be Painful

When canker sores develop, they show up as round sores with a yellow and red color. They typically form on the tongue, the cheeks, and on various spots on the lips. The reasons they form include allergies, stress, and injuries to the mouth. From time to time, they can even form on the gums.

When this happens, it can be hard to eat or even talk. Canker sores on the gums are likely to rub against the side of the mouth when the jaw is in action. As a result, they must be eliminated as soon as possible. One of the most surprising influences on these types of canker sores is dental care, particularly the use of hard bristle brushes.

How Brushing Contributes To Their Formation

People who take good care of their teeth likely brush two to three times a day. This is an important dental treatment that helps avoid a lot of serious problems. However, brushing the gums too vigorously has been connected to outbreaks of canker sores on the gums. When this happens, it is important to stop brushing immediately and wait for them to go away.

Formation of canker sores is more likely if a person uses a harder bristle brush or brushes more vigorously than normal on the gums. Typically, canker sores will fade away over a period of a few days. However, if they stuck around for longer than that, it is important to get treatment.

Dentists Can Treat This Problem

When canker sores stay on the gums for over a week, it is important to get treatment from a dentist. There are a few different treatment methods available for this problem. The first are items known as occlusives. These medications will cover the canker sore and keep it from getting irritated or inflamed by exposure to acidic items, salt, or spicy foods. Anesthetics are used to treat pain symptoms and are often used concurrently with other items.

Cleansing tools are also used to clean the area and eliminate dangerous bacteria that may be contributing to the formation of the canker sore. When any of these items are applied to a canker sore by a dentist, they should go into effect fairly quickly. It usually takes only one dental treatment to manage canker sores effectively.

Anyone who is suffering from this problem should see a dentist right away. While they are there, they should also get their normal cleansing procedure and get checked for cavities. Thorough dental exams can help both treat and prevent canker sores, as well as protect your teeth from serious decay.

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