Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth. Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious and don’t appear on the lips. Though usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable and interfere with eating or speaking.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause isn’t always clear, but several factors may trigger them:

•Stress or injury: Biting the inside of the cheek, dental work, or stress can lead to sores.

– Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid can contribute.

– Food sensitivities: Spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods may irritate the mouth.

– Hormonal changes: Some people experience them during hormonal shifts, like menstruation.

– Medical conditions: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or a weakened immune system can cause frequent sores.

Common Symptoms

– Round or oval sores with a white or yellow center and red border

– Pain or burning sensation, especially when eating or talking

– Usually found on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or soft palate

How to Treat Canker Sores

Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 10 days. To relieve pain and speed up healing:

– Use over-the-counter topical gels or mouth rinses

– Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods

– Rinse with warm salt water or a baking soda solution

– Practice good oral hygiene with a soft-bristled toothbrush

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor or dentist if:

– Sores are unusually large or persistent

– You have frequent outbreaks

– You experience severe pain or difficulty eating

– Sores are accompanied by fever or fatigue

Conclusion

Canker sores are common and usually not serious, but they can be a nuisance. Understanding your triggers and practicing good oral care can help reduce their occurrence and ease discomfort when they appear.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, happens when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. While it may seem like a minor issue, saliva is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. Without it, eating, speaking, and swallowing can become difficult, and your risk of tooth decay increases.

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

– Medications: Many drugs, including those for blood pressure, allergies, and depression, list dry mouth as a side effect.

– Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or losing fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can reduce saliva flow.

– Medical conditions: Diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome can affect saliva production.

– Cancer treatments: Radiation to the head or neck and chemotherapy can damage salivary glands.

– Smoking or alcohol: Both can dry out the mouth.

Signs and Symptoms

– Sticky or dry feeling in the mouth

– Frequent thirst

– Dry or sore throat

– Bad breath

– Cracked lips or split skin at the corners of the mouth

– Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking

– Dry, rough tongue or burning sensation

How to Relieve Dry Mouth

– Stay hydrated: Sip water frequently throughout the day.

– Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva.

– Use a humidifier at night to keep the air moist.

– Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can worsen dryness.

– Use saliva substitutes or oral moisturizers recommended by your dentist.

– Practice good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

When to See a Doctor

If xerostomia is persistent, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is key to long-term relief.

Final Thoughts

xerostomia is more than just a discomfort—it can lead to serious dental problems if ignored. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage symptoms and protect your oral health.

Not Just Temporary Teeth

Many parents assume baby tooth aren’t important since they fall out. But these little teeth play a big role in a child’s oral development and overall health.

Functions of Baby Teeth

– Speech Development: Baby teeth help kids form sounds and words correctly.

– Chewing and Nutrition: They allow proper chewing, which supports healthy digestion and growth.

– Jaw and Space Formation: Baby teeth guide permanent teeth into their correct positions by maintaining space in the jaw.

Common Issues to Watch For

Just like adult teeth, baby teeth can develop:

– Cavities

– Gum infections

– Premature loss due to decay or injury

These problems can lead to pain, speech issues, and misaligned adult teeth.

When Should Baby Teeth Come In?

Most children begin teething around 6 months. The full set of 20 primary teeth usually appears by age 3. If teeth are delayed or come in unevenly, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatric dentist.

Caring for Baby Teeth

– Clean gums with a soft cloth even before teeth emerge

– Brush baby teeth twice daily with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste

– Limit sugary snacks and drinks

– Visit the dentist by the child’s first birthday

Myths About Baby Teeth

One common myth is that cavities in baby teeth don’t matter. In reality, untreated decay can spread, causing infections and affecting the growth of permanent teeth.

Conclusion

Baby tooth is more than just placeholders—they’re essential for your child’s health and development. Start good dental habits early to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.