Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, affect about one in five adults. While harmless, they can be quite painful. Here's what you can do to manage them effectively.
Dentist Marjolein van Dijk explains: These are small white or yellowish ulcers inside the mouth. They're generally benign but can cause discomfort during eating or speaking.
Common triggers
They often appear when your immune system is weakened, due to food sensitivities, or during stressful periods.
Should you see a dentist?
Most canker sores heal on their own within two weeks, so a dental visit isn't usually needed. However, they might be mistaken for irritation from dentures or sharp teeth—consult your dentist if symptoms persist or differ.
Proven relief strategies
Avoid irritating the sores by not popping them, and eat and brush gently. In my practice, patients report relief from various remedies, though scientific evidence is limited. Magnesium supplements help some, while over-the-counter oral gels ease pain. Rinsing with water and a drop of medicinal tea tree oil also soothes for many.
