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Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores | Dentist 61108

Rockford, IL Dentist

61108 Dentist

A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. Our dentist in Rockford has put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What do they look like?

Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.

What causes them?

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.

What can I do?

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice. 

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our dental office in Rockford, IL. We look forward to seeing you.

Lindsten Dentistry of Rockford
Phone: 815-398-3900
1437 South Bell School Road
Rockford, IL 61108

Visit Our Rockford Dental Office

Rockford, IL Dentist

Office Hours

Monday: 8 to 5
Tuesday: 8 to 5
Wednesday: 8 to Noon
Thursday: 8 to 5
Friday: closed
Saturday: 8 to Noon

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1437 S Bell School Rd
Rockford, IL 61108

(815) 398-3900

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