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Canker
Sores (Not Caused by a Virus):
Canker
sores (apthous ulcers) are small, circular, white or gray inside and
bordered in red. They occur inside the mouth and should not
be confused with cold sores, which occur outside the mouth.
Their exact cause is still uncertain, but they often begin to develop:
Unlike
cold sores, canker sores are not contagious, but they can remain for as
long as two weeks.
Treatment:
Use
over-the-counter medications such as Kank-Aid™ or Orajel™ that numb
the pain and lay a thin protective film over the sore. Avoid hot,
spicy or acidic foods
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White
Sores On Tongue Or Inside The Cheek (Accompanied By Pain):
Several
causes exist for white oral sores. One of the most common is an
autoimmune disorder called Lichen Planus.
Treatment:
A
thorough checkup by your Dentist is a must.
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Gum
Boil:
An
infection of the pulp of the tooth can spread into the tissues adjacent to
the root tips and erupt into the outer surface of the gums as a red,
fluid-filled swelling called a gum boil. In many cases, the
infection will actually produce a hole in the jawbone. Left
untreated, this condition could be life threatening.
Treatment:
See your Dentist
immediately. The infection must be controlled prior to creating more
serious overall health related problems. The infected pulp must be
cleaned out via a root canal, and the weakened tooth needs to be repaired
with a crown.
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Other
Sores Inside The Mouth:
Sores
may result from chewing, punctures, and loose dentures.
Treatment:
If
the sore is bleeding significantly, control the bleeding with a rolled up
sterile gauze or a clean cloth, then contact your Dentist. For
smaller, non-bleeding sores, apply an over-the-counter, film-forming
product such as Kank-Aid™ or Orajel™ that will numb the injured area.
Persistent
mouth sores could be symptoms of a serious condition. Most Dentists
recommend you contact them about any mouth sore that does not heal within
two weeks.
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