Home Mistakes in Mouth Sores: What to do and what not to do?
Mouth sores are painful and uncomfortable conditions that most people experience at least a few times in their lives. They often appear as canker sores, cold sores, traumatic bites or cuts. These small but annoying lesions can make it difficult to eat, speak or even laugh.
However, when trying to treat such sores at home, many people make mistakes that can do more harm than good. In this article, we shed light on common misconceptions about canker sores and explain what to do and what not to do.
Causes of Mouth Sores
Canker sores can occur for many different reasons. The most common causes include a weakened immune system, vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron and folic acid), stress, trauma (hard foods, tooth brushing accidents), allergic reactions and viral infections (especially herpes). Identifying the underlying cause is critical to the success of treatment.
Common Mistakes at Home
One of the most common mistakes made when trying to treat mouth sores at home is to apply salt directly to the wound. Although this is a common practice, applying salt on an open sore can further irritate the tissues and prolong the healing time. Similarly, acidic substances such as vinegar or lemon will burn the wound more and cause damage. In addition, the use of hearsay herbal concoctions, unhygienic practices or medications recommended by others can lead to serious infections.
Another mistake is brushing the mouth too often or pressing directly on the wound. Such behaviors delay healing and increase pain. In addition, if spicy, acidic and very hot foods are avoided while the canker sore persists, the existing lesion will inevitably enlarge.
The Right Approaches and What to Do?
When mouth sores are encountered, oral hygiene should be the first priority. Teeth should be brushed gently and alcohol-free and antiseptic mouthwashes should be preferred. Gargling with warm salt water (without excessive use of salt) can support healing. Drinking plenty of water, eating foods rich in vitamin C and getting enough sleep help to strengthen the immune system. Some topical pain relieving gels or antiseptic solutions available over the counter in pharmacies can be used for canker sores.
In the case of viral sores such as cold sores, antiviral creams should be used at the first symptoms and contact with the sore should be avoided. If the sore lasts longer than a week, becomes recurrent or is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as severe pain and fever, a dentist or dermatologist should be consulted.
