Canker sores are a common oral nuisance, causing discomfort for many. These small, bothersome lesions can make everyday activities like eating and talking challenging. Their irritation can lead some to consider “popping” them for immediate relief.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small lesions that form on the soft tissues inside the mouth. They commonly appear on the inner surfaces of the lips and cheeks, on or under the tongue, or at the base of the gums. These ulcers present with a white or yellowish center and a red border.
While their exact cause is not fully understood, various factors can trigger their development. These include minor injuries to the mouth, such as accidental bites or irritation from dental work, and emotional stress. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, or vitamin deficiencies, such as B12, folate, or iron, can also contribute to their occurrence.
The Risks of Popping Canker Sores
Popping a canker sore is not recommended and can lead to negative consequences. Unlike a pimple, a canker sore is an open ulcer. Attempting to burst it does not facilitate healing; instead, it disrupts the natural repair process. This action can increase the pain and discomfort associated with the sore, potentially making it more difficult to eat or speak.
The mouth naturally contains a diverse array of bacteria. Creating an open wound by popping a canker sore provides a direct entry point for these microbes. This heightens the risk of bacterial infection, which can worsen the lesion and complicate healing. Disturbing the sore can delay its healing time, prolonging discomfort beyond the typical one to two weeks it takes to resolve. In some cases, popping can even cause the sore to enlarge, contribute to the formation of new sores, and potential scarring.
Safe Approaches to Canker Sore Relief
Managing canker sores safely focuses on pain relief and supporting natural healing. Rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water) can help dry out the sore and reduce swelling. A baking soda rinse, made by dissolving one teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water, is also beneficial. Over-the-counter topical gels or patches containing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine can provide temporary numbing and pain relief applied directly to the sore.
Avoiding irritating foods, such as spicy, acidic, or abrasive items, prevents further pain and allows the sore to heal comfortably. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, keeps the mouth clean without aggravating the sore. Identifying and avoiding personal trigger foods, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins like B12, iron, and folate can help reduce the frequency of canker sores.
Seek professional medical advice if a canker sore is unusually large, persists for more than two weeks, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or extreme difficulty eating or drinking. These symptoms might indicate a more complex underlying issue that requires medical evaluation and potentially prescription treatments.