Every time you feel that tiny tingling in your mouth, do you just apply a little ointment and forget about it? But if I told you that this seemingly insignificant canker sore, it could be an 'alarm' for your physical health, how would you react?
Canker sores, a small problem that we often overlook, may actually be hiding a deeper health message. Our mouth is not only an inlet for food, but also a barometer of health. When recurring canker sores become part of your daily routine, it could be that your body is signaling to you that something needs your attention.
Canker sores: not just a minor problem, but an alarm for the body!
Canker sores, often seen as a common and minor oral problem, can actually be an important signal that our body is sending to us. These seemingly inconspicuous small aches and pains may suggest a deeper health problem. Let's dive into canker sores and reveal the health messages that may be hidden behind it.
What are canker sores?
Canker sores, medically known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), are small, painful sores that develop on the oral mucosa. They are usually round or oval in shape, with a grayish-white or yellow color in the center and a distinct red edge around them.
A common type of canker sore
Minor Ulcers: This is the most common type, usually less than 1 cm in diameter, and the healing time is about 7 to 14 days.
Major Ulcers: Rare, larger than 1 cm in diameter, may take up to several weeks to heal.
Herpetiform ulcers: characterized by small ulcers that appear in groups and combine to form an irregular shape.
Why do canker sores occur?
The development of canker sores can be related to a variety of factors, including:
Abnormal immune system: In some people, the immune response can cause damage to the oral mucosa, which can lead to the formation of ulcers.
Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, zinc, etc., may increase the risk of mouth ulcers.
Oral trauma: Oral mucosal damage, such as accidental bites, hard brushing, or dental surgery, can lead to ulcers.
Hormonal changes: Women may be more prone to mouth sores during menstruation, which is related to changes in hormone levels.
Stressors: Persistent psychological stress or mood swings are also considered to be one of the triggers.
Diagnosis of canker sores
While most canker sores can be identified by their appearance, in some cases, such as frequent attacks or excruciating pain, it is advisable to seek medical help to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may take a medical history, do an oral exam, and, if necessary, do blood tests or a tissue biopsy to rule out other underlying health problems.
Canker sores: not just a small problem, but an alarm for good health!
Canker sores, a seemingly trivial problem, can actually be a health alert from our body. Many people may not realize that frequent canker sores can be closely related to a general health condition.
Unbalanced nutrition with mouth ulcers
Canker sores are closely related to the nutritional status of the body. Deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as B vitamins (especially B12 and folic acid), iron, and zinc, can cause the oral mucosa to become fragile and easily damaged, leading to the formation of ulcers. This is not only an oral problem, but also a manifestation of poor nutritional status. In fact, canker sores can be the first symptom that alerts us to possible nutritional imbalances in our bodies.
Early signs of digestive disorders
Canker sores can also be related to digestive health. For example, some chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, may precede recurrent mouth sores before other, more obvious symptoms appear. In this case, canker sores are actually a warning from our body that we may need further testing and treatment.
A manifestation of an imbalance in the immune system
In addition, canker sores can also be a sign of an imbalance in the body's immune system. When the immune system is dysfunctional, it can mistakenly attack the body's normal tissues, including the oral mucosa, leading to the formation of ulcers. Canker sores in this condition can be more difficult to heal than usual and require special attention and treatment.
Canker sores: When should you be worried?
When dealing with canker sores, we often overlook that they can be a sign of a deeper problem in the body. While most canker sores are harmless, in some cases, they may indicate a more serious health problem. Therefore, it is crucial to identify abnormal signals of canker sores.
Abnormal duration
In general, common canker sores should heal on their own within one to two weeks. If the ulcer persists for more than two weeks, it could be a warning sign that there may be an underlying health problem, such as an immune system problem or digestive disorder.
Volume and pain level
Normal canker sores are usually less than 1 cm in diameter and are accompanied by mild to moderate pain. If the ulcer is unusually large (more than 1 cm), or causes severe pain, this may indicate a deeper problem.
Recurrent seizures
Occasional mouth sores are normal. However, if sores are frequent and recurring, especially in the same oral area, this could be a sign of malnutrition, stress, or an immune system disorder.
Concomitant symptoms
If canker sores are accompanied by other symptoms, such as persistent bad breath, difficulty swallowing, or other abnormal changes in the mouth, it may indicate a more serious health problem, such as mouth cancer or infection.
The relationship between canker sores and general health
Sometimes, canker sores can be associated with disorders in other parts of the body, such as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, abnormal glucose metabolism (diabetes), or increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries (hypertension).