By Dr. Radwa Saad, DMD Cosmetic & Implant Dentist

Dent Blanche Dental – Princeton, NJ & Fifth Avenue, NYC

Dr. Radwa Saad is a distinguished dentist in Princeton, NJ and Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side, Manhattan, renowned for her expertise in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Teeth Whitening near me and digital dentistry.

What are canker sores (aphthous ulcers)?

Canker sores are small, shallow mouth ulcers with a white, gray, or yellowish center and a red halo. They grow on the soft tissues inside the mouth—tongue, cheeks, gums—and are not contagious (mayoclinic.org). Canker sores are usually diagnosed during dental check-up.

Canker sore: Causes and treatment

What causes canker sores? 

Common triggers include:

• - Minor mouth injuries from biting, braces, or aggressive brushing (mayoclinic.org, en.wikipedia.org)
• - Stress, hormonal fluctuations, or weakened immune response
• - Nutritional deficiencies—especially vitamins B12, folate, iron, or zinc (en.wikipedia.org)
• - Sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (en.wikipedia.org)
• - Acidic or spicy foods that irritate oral tissues

Causes of canker sores

How long do canker sores last and when should I see a dentist?

Minor canker sores typically heal in 7–10 days, while larger or herpetiform types may last up to 6 weeks (mayoclinic.org). See Dent Blanche Dental if sores:

• - Persist over two weeks
• - Are unusually large, painful, or recurrent
• - Occur with fever, extreme discomfort, or swelling (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, mayoclinic.org)

How to ease pain and speed healing

- At‑home care:

• - Rinse with warm salt water or mild mouthwash—avoid alcohol-based products 
• - Apply topical gels with benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide, or milk of magnesia 
• - Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods
• - Maintain excellent oral hygiene using a soft-bristle toothbrush and SLS-free toothpaste 

Professional treatment:

• - Prescription mouth rinses with corticosteroids or lidocaine reduce pain and inflammation 
• - Cauterizing agents such as sulfonated phenolics (e.g. Debacterol) can speed ulcer resolution in severe cases (en.wikipedia.org)
• - Specialty oral patches (e.g. CankerMelts with licorice extract) may shorten healing time from 7–10 days to 3–5 days 

How can I prevent future canker sores?

• - Switch to SLS-free toothpaste
• - Ensure adequate intake of vitamins B12, folate, iron, and zinc—consider supplements if recommended (en.wikipedia.org)
• - Reduce stress through sleep, mindfulness, or wellness strategies
• - Use gentle brushing techniques to avoid tissue trauma
• - Identify and avoid food or product triggers

Why choose Dent Blanche Dental for canker sore treatment?

• - Accurate diagnosis of mouth ulcers and ruling out more serious conditions
• - Access to advanced oral ulcer treatments—prescription rinses, gels, patches, and cauterizing agents
• - Expert guidance on correcting nutritional deficiencies and optimizing oral hygiene
• - Personalized preventive plans and follow‑up care to reduce recurrence
• - Laser Treatment can prevent it at early stages

Get Relief from Canker Sores

If persistent or painful mouth ulcers are affecting your comfort, schedule a consultation with Dent Blanche Dental. Together, we'll create a targeted treatment and prevention strategy so you can enjoy fast healing and lasting oral health.

Learn more: Teeth Whitening cost, and Mouth Sores, Prevent canker sores

Dent Blanche Dental

3640 Lawrenceville Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

Call: (609) 890-1888

www.dentblanchedental.com

Online Appointments Available

Let your smile shine with the best cosmetic dentist in New Jersey. Transform your smile in elegance and confidence with Dent Blanche Dental.