How canker sores occur?
Canker sores are commonplace form of isolated or grouped ulcers , painful measure a few millimeters in diameter and are surrounded by a red zone and inflammatory.
These sores are on the lips , tongue , inner cheeks , gums , palate or the back of the throat.
Canker sores of Behcet's disease are rarely isolated and the disease mainly affects other parts: eyes (inflammatory disease) , gastrointestinal tract or genitals (genital ulcers).
With what should we not confuse canker sores?
Angina is acute inflammation of the tonsils , they are red , painful and interfere with swallowing. Antibiotic treatment is sometimes recommended.
Do not confuse canker sores with recurrent fungal (candidiasis) , lichen planus or squamous cell carcinoma , cancer of the skin and mucous membranes.
Finally , and this is the reason for medical consultation is required for all canker sore , canker sores may indicate a more generalized disease (Behçet , pemphigus ...).
Is there a prevention possible?
Oral hygiene is a priority regular tooth brushing , rinsing the mouth with antibacterial solutions ...
Some foods should be avoided so as not to aggravate or trigger flares: nuts , apples , cheese , dried fruits , nuts , citrus , pineapple , red fruit acids (currants) ...
Dentures should be cleaned and adjusted to avoid injury.
Ulcers Preparing consultation
When to consult?
Canker sores can be the first sign of a more generalized disease. So do not conclude too quickly and himself a banal canker sore , especially if recurrence. A consultation with a doctor or dentist can look for other symptoms (damage extraoral) and diagnosis.'s Giant ulcer is a particular form with ulceration extremely painful and significantly higher (from 1 to 5 cm ).
What is the doctor?
The diagnosis is usually evident by examining the patient. Examination of the oral cavity must be complete and other events are to be sought by a thorough examination including skin and interrogation.
In case of doubt about the diagnosis , the treating practitioner or internist (physician specializing in diseases rather complex called "System") may prescribe additional tests , including blood. Biopsies (local taxes) are also sometimes necessary.
The evolution is generally simple without treatment , but may depend on underlying disease (cancer , infection ...).
Local treatments as anesthetic gels can relieve symptoms in severe forms , systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other) can be proposed.
How to prepare my next visit?
It is helpful to tell the doctor the circumstances triggering outbreaks of canker sores , as well as report any symptoms presented , although it may seem trivial (fever , skin lesions fleeting ...).
