Facts about Canker Sores and Cold Sores

Have you ever dealt with an uncomfortable canker or cold sore? If you have, than you know how uncomfortable they can be. The burning, nagging ache of a canker sore inside your mouth, or the unsightly look of a cold sore by your lips can be enough to ruin your day. Many people are forced to deal with these recurring mouth lesions on a regular basis. Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, will talk more about cold sores and canker sores, and how best to deal with them.

Cold Sore Facts

Professor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Dr. Brad Rodd, says that approximately 20% to 30% of the population deals with recurring cold sores. Fever blister is another common name for any these unpleasant mouth lesions. Here are a few more facts about cold sores:

• They are a result of the herpes simplex type 1 virus (cousin to herpes simplex type 2).
• Cold sores are contagious.
• The lesions are filled with fluid, and generally last about a week.
• Cold sore flare ups can result from pressure or trauma to the area where they appear, even including something like a dental cleaning.

Canker Sore Facts

Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores appear on the inside of the mouth and generally heal fairly quickly. They are known for packing a powerful punch in terms of discomfort, even though the spots are usually fairly small. Other facts about canker sores:

• Canker sores can be uncomfortable enough to cause pain and difficulty when eating and speaking.
• The most likely areas where a canker sore will develop are your tongue, inside the lips, soft palate, and inside cheeks.
• The exact cause of canker sores is unknown.
• Canker sores are thought to be exacerbated by stress.
• Canker sores are occasionally connected to auto-immune conditions such as Bechet’s and Crohn’s disease.

Dental Implants from your Park Ridge Dentists

You can schedule an appointment with your Park Ridge dental team by calling Loukas General Dentistry at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.