An aphthous ulcer or canker sore is a small bump that forms in the throat or tonsils. Usually, canker sores grow on the inner side of the lips or cheeks; however, they can also develop on the back of the throat. These lesions heal quickly on their own without medical intervention and are not contagious. Read this blog to understand the types, symptoms, their causes with relief methods.
Types of canker sore
Canker sores on the throat are divided in 3 broad categories:
- Minor canker sores range about a few millimeters and are not very painful.
- Major canker sore – is more prominent than minor ones and are sized about 1 to 3 centimeters; they are painful and last for about a few weeks to a month.
- Herpetiform – are numerous tiny sores grouped; their size is about that of a pinhead and may leave a scar behind upon healing.
Canker sore in the throat – Symptoms
Canker sores grow on the mucosa layer of the throat; they may appear as white or grey spots with a red outline. One of the marking symptoms is pain along with burning and tingling sensation. You may suffer from itching in the throat as well.
Causes of Canker Sore in throat and Risks Involved
Sufficient studies are not available to establish the exact cause; however, some theories are linked, such as gene factors, immunity issues, etc. Here are some common triggers of canker sores:
- Stress factor
- Hormones
- Oral injuries
- Nutritional deficiencies such as iron or vitamin B
- Consumption of spicy foods
- Eating acidic foods
Home remedies
Home remedies often work best for prompt pain relief; here are a few you can try:
Saltwater solution
A saltwater solution works as an antibacterial agent; its preparation is relatively easy. Mix ½ a teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water. Gargle the solution to get rid of the canker sore in in your throat or tonsils. Repeat this thrice a day.
Cool It
Drinking icy cold water or sucking on ice cubes always works for numbing. Moreover, you can have ice cream or yogurt for some flavor as it will give the same effect. Avoid consuming food that has sharp edges, such as crisps, since they can irritate the canker sores.
Lifestyle Modification
If your canker sores are recurrent, make the following modifications:
- Eating mildly spicy foods
- Try methods for stress relief
- Take supplements to recover from deficiencies
Medical Treatments
- Use of over-the-counter topical creams or gels having anti-inflammatory properties helps relieve pain when applied to the sores directly.
- Mouthwash effectively minimizes inflammatory pain and possible infection risk. An antimicrobial mouthwash will work best for you.
- Another way is to take oral pills for sore canker reduction.
If your canker sore has been there for more than 4 weeks time, schedule an appointment with Pearland Family Dentistry for consultation with an expert. Call now at 832 649 7344 to get in touch with best dentist in Houston.