Aphthae can appear anywhere on the oral mucosa and can vary in size and appearance. Aphthae is a type of oral ulcer that can sometimes lesion the moist covering in the mouth called mucosal epithelium and sometimes reach deeper tissues. It usually appears on the inside of the mouth on the cheek and lip, on the tongue, on the palate or on the gums. Aphthae may be oval or round in shape and may be yellow, white or gray in color. The edges are usually red. Since it is a very painful condition, it can make it painful for a person to laugh, speak, eat or even drink. In some cases, people with aphthous infections may not even be able to control their saliva. The common cause of canker sores can be genetic, immunologic, hematologic and microbiologic.
What are canker sores?
People refer to it as a canker sore and it occurs in almost 20% of the population. Aphthae are a type of oral ulcer that causes pain, itching and burning. It can occur as a symptom of biting the inside of the cheek, hard and uncontrolled brushing of the teeth, burning the inside of the mouth with hot food, braces used in orthodontic treatment, deficiency of certain vitamins, infection and a systematic disease. When evaluating aphthae, which generally have a cottony appearance in the mouth, the person's age, the location of the sore in the mouth, its shape, number, course and duration of its presence, whether it is painful or not and other detailed history are important. The most common form of aphthous ulcers is acute painful aphthous ulcers that recur at irregular intervals and heal and disappear on their own within two to three weeks. Although they are usually seen as single ulcers, they can also be seen more than once in different areas at the same time. In some cases, while one heals, another one forms. Although factors that trigger the formation of aphthae and worsen their course have been identified, the exact cause has not been determined. Aphthae are analyzed in three main groups according to their size:
- Minor Aphthae: The most common type of oral aphthae, moderately painful. Although they may be single or multiple, they are less than 1 cm in diameter. Minor canker sores, seen in 85% of patients, are usually superficial ulcers that heal within one or two weeks without leaving scars on the mucosal epithelium.
- Major Aphthae: These rarely seen aphthae are ulcers larger than 1 cm in diameter, mostly gray and white in color. They heal in 2 to 6 weeks, leaving a scar. In some cases, it may cause obstruction in the cavity called oropharynx, which is located just behind the throat, and swallowing difficulties. Fever and fatigue may accompany.
- Herpetiform Aphthae: Herpetiform aphthae, which are 1 to 2 mm in diameter, in groups and in large numbers, usually tend to merge. It is very rare and heals within 7 to 30 days without leaving scars. It is more common in older ages.
How do canker sores go away?
In some cases, canker sores give signals such as numbness in the mouth before they occur. When no treatment is applied, they heal spontaneously within a few weeks. However, it can make life difficult for the person because it is a painful and painful process. In cases where aphthae are removed, it is recommended to avoid hot, acidic and caustic foods. After the meal, the area where the aphthae is located can be cleaned with oxygenated water to remove food residues from the area. Rinsing the mouth with salt water or carbonated water and choosing products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate when choosing toothpaste may be beneficial. However, in order to prevent aphthae formation in the long term, it may be useful to quit smoking, eat a regular and balanced diet, and avoid very hot drinks.
