It’s common to see canker sores in your mouth with a red or white appearance. Some people catch canker sores more frequently than others. Sometimes these ulcers can just be mild, and other times can appear severe. The time can vary from a few days to weeks. Many people don’t know this, but a canker sore can also grow on your tonsil.
If a sore throat has appeared, but you aren’t affected by other symptoms of cold, a canker sore may have formed on your throat’s back. There’s no particular spot where canker sores can appear in your mouth – gums, inside of the cheeks, tonsils. All are possibilities. A canker sore may not be a call for a dental visit, but the pain and discomfort will make your days difficult to manage.
This article will explore the causes of canker sores, treatment, and preventive measures to avoid mouth ulcers in the future.
What Causes Canker Sores?
More studies are required to determine the exact cause or causes of canker sores. But some actions can trigger the growth of canker sores. A few factors that can influence the growth include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Anxiety
- Biting the inside of cheeks
- Vitamin-B12 deficiency
Certain food items and drinks can aggravate the tonsil lesions and cause discomfort. Food allergies or acidic meals can promote canker sore growth near the oral cavity. This is because swallowing causes the tonsils to contact these triggers.
How to Manage Canker Sore on Tonsil With Home-Remedies
Simple home treatments can help reduce the soreness and discomfort due to the canker sore on the tonsil. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saline solution is one such home remedy. It helps get rid of the germs on the ulcer. Baking soda mixed with water can also help soothe the pain. Other than that, here are some other remedies that you can try at home:
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen
- Using antimicrobial mouthwash to get rid of the germs in the mouth
- Mouth sprays containing benzocaine or phenol
- Eat soft and easy to chew foods. Applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, can be easy on your painful lesions.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods. If you suspect the development of canker sores, be mindful of the foods or drinks that can trigger them.
When to See Your Dentist
Pain from a minor lesion on the tonsil will subside within 2-3 days and completely vanish in a week. But for bigger ulcers, expect around 4 weeks to fully heal from the soreness and discomfort. Once the sore recovers, you can expect to see a spot on your throat’s back. Book an appointment with your dentist if:
- The sore has lasted for more than 2 weeks
- A canker sore is getting close to the lips
- You have a high fever
- The ulcer is growing big
- Eating or drinking is becoming difficult due to lesion
If you want to learn more about canker sores, contact us. Schedule an appointment with Champions Dental for a professional consultation by calling 281-866-0442.