Canker Sore on Gums

Mouth ulcers can be quite painful and distressing, causing discomfort while eating, talking, or swallowing. A stinging sensation in the gums can upset moods and also disrupt normal eating habits. And if there are aphthous sores erupting on the soft tissue of one's mouth at the base of their gums, it is a confirmed case of canker sore on gums. Canker sores are small and shallow lesions erupting inside the mouth, on the tongue or gums.

Most of the time, this condition is an outcome of having a highly acidic food or an inadvertent bite in the cheek. Other causes include:

• Rough brushing of the teeth
• Accidents in sports
• Vitamin deficiency
• Gastrointestinal diseases (like celiac disease)
• Irregular bowel movements
• Extreme stress
• Autoimmune diseases (like HIV)
• Hormonal surges during menstruation
• Using toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate

The first symptoms show up with a round or oval-shaped lesion with a white center and a red border. The sores mostly erupt under the tongue, base of the gums, or inside the cheeks. Specially, canker sores on tongue can be very stingy causing extreme discomfort when biting and tasting food.

If they are small and disappear within a week, without any medication, they are termed as minor canker sore on the gums. However, if the sores are about ½ inch with serrated edges and take weeks to heal, then they are major canker sores, that need medical attention.

If they erupt in clusters, they are known as herpetiform canker sores. If the condition is of the major type, the affected person may experience fever, listlessness, and swollen lymph nodes.

• Saltwater has been the most effective home remedy for most sores and wounds. And gargling it is one of the best cures for all mouth-related concerns. One can also add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to brine solution. Swish the solution in the mouth for about 30 seconds and spit out. Due to the osmotic properties of the solution, the bacteria in the mouth is killed. This is believed to be one of the most effective home remedies.

• One could also make a solution of hydrogen peroxide, with one part water. Take a cotton swab and dip it in the solution and gently dab on the canker sore. Please do NOT swallow the solution. Hydrogen peroxide, pertaining to its antimicrobial properties reduce bacterial infestation in the mouth and is therefore considered as an effective cure.

• A liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia is said to be an effective treatment to be followed after using the hydrogen peroxide solution. Again take a cotton swab and soak it well and apply on the same, 3-4 times a day. The healing would be faster.

• Liquid antihistamines like Benadryl is prescribed as oral medication for keeping up with a good oral hygiene. Mix this with a part of milk of magnesia and rinse your mouth with the solution. Remember to spit it out after rinsing the mouth for a whole minute.

• Besides, there are some oral medications available over-the-counter, which help in palliating the soreness of these lesions on gums. Canker sores, which are of major and herpetiform type, are treated with tetracycline (liquid form), which is to be contained in the mouth for about 5 minutes, prior to swallowing. 

However, this medication is not prescribed for toddlers and children. For severe cases, zovirax, an antiviral drug is prescribed. Corticosteroids (like prednisone and dexamethasone) are also prescribed.

It is evident that a sound dental health is important for a healthy living. Unwelcome dental afflictions like this condition on the gums can make a person quite irritable. Dental attention is a must, if they erupt at too many places inside the mouth.

This is a strong indication to the fact, that one's diet does not include enough vitamin supplements. Consume a lot of citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, lemon, sweet lime, and gooseberries which are packed with vitamin C, as this vitamin is essential for healthy gums and teeth.

Also, one should include calcium supplements in his/her diet. Make sure to consume a balanced diet, and needless to say, drink a lot of water every day. This is because, many a time, gastric problems like indigestion and constipation can also cause this condition. So, detoxification is also important and water serves as the best detoxifier.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.