About 20% of the general population has suffered from this very common affliction. The condition occurs more frequently in children and adolescents. When they reach adulthood, the frequency decreases; however, it can be extremely annoying and painful when it happens. The word thrush derives from the Greek, to a burning ulcer.
This is one of the most common diseases of the mouth and it is also known as aphthous ulcers. They manifest as small, round, or oval ulcers of a white or yellow color with a reddish contour. They generally affect the soft tissues of the mouth such as the gums, tongue, inner cheeks and lips.
The exact cause has not been defined. It is not known why some people are more prone to them, but several factors increase the probability of having them:
– Stress – Injury from braces – Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate – Viral infections – Nutritional deficiencies
Although it is not always due to the ingestion of food, certain foods can cause the appearance of sores in the mouth. Some of them are: – Nuts (especially walnuts) – Pineapple – Some cheese – Spice – Gluten – Alcohol – Vinegar
They are not contagious even if you have an open ulcer. In short, it is not communicable. If you have a sore in your mouth and you don’t know if it’s a canker or a cold sore, take a look at where it appears: cold sores usually appear outside the mouth, around the lips, chin, or nostrils.
Fast and easily acquired treatments are available over-the-counter to help with the symptoms. In some other cases, the patient may require a prescription.:
Topical medications.
Antiseptic mouthwash
Antibiotic
Cauterization
The use of aloe vera in the oral area is not widespread. However, it provides many effective and natural solutions to the different conditions that develop in the mouth, including canker sores, herpes, abscesses, cracks in the lips, wounds, mouth ulcers, inflammation and irritation caused by dentures or braces, orthodontics, as well as after the extraction of a molar.
According to studies, a family history where all members or at least the parents have had the condition can be inherited by the children. Likewise, a repeated presentation of the problem may be an alert of an association with another health problem.
We cannot prevent canker sores since the exact cause is not well defined, but we can reduce discomfort in the mouth. You are advised to brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush after every meal to keep your mouth free of food that could cause discomfort.