What does oral and dental health have to do with cold sores and canker sores?
What are Aphthae?
Aphthae are very painful lesions in the mouth, on the mucous membranes of the cheeks and lips, on the tongue, pharynx, gums and soft palate, surrounded by yellow-red. They are not contagious. Although aphthae are usually single, they can occur in several areas at the same time. Although various researches have been conducted, the cause of canker sores has not been determined exactly. However, some of the factors that accelerate and slow down the formation of aphthae are known.
- Foods
Vinegar, citrus fruits, potato chips, pickles, salty and spicy foods that can irritate the oral mucosa accelerate the formation of canker sores. Foods such as buckwheat, barley, rye, cheese, hazelnuts, chocolate, apples, eggplant, shellfish, tomatoes, soy, figs, which are allergenic for some people, can also accelerate the formation of aphthae.
- Toothpaste
SLS (sodium lauryl sulhate), which is added to the structure of toothpastes as a foam enhancer to increase the cleaning properties, is a chemical that increases the destruction of mucous cells. With this feature, SLS directly affects the formation of aphthae. People with canker sores should use toothpastes with less SLS (1.25%).
- Systemic Diseases
Behçet’s disease is characterized by lococytosis, retinitis, conjunctivitis, genital ulcers as well as recurrent canker sores in the mouth. Recurrent aphthae may be associated with diseases such as autoimmune and malignant.
- Trauma
Lip, tongue, cheek biting, irritation caused by hard food and toothbrushes and improperly made dentures prepare a suitable environment for the formation of aphthae.
- Stress
Stress, which causes many diseases such as gastritis, high blood pressure and migraine, also plays a role in the formation of aphthae.
What is Herpes
Cold sores are small blisters with fluid inside, usually on the outside of the mouth. These blisters burst and crust over time. It heals within 7-10 days. A virus called herpes simplex causes cold sores. It is found passively in people who have had this infection before. Fatigue, trauma, stress, exposure to sunlight and hormonal changes can activate this virus.
The most risky period is from the time the cold sore breaks out until it heals. It can be passed from one person with cold sores to others. Herpes should not be touched because it is contagious. It is treated with antiviral cold sore creams.
