If you have a canker sore, you may feel like your whole world just turned upside down! Not only is it quite uncomfortable (remember, numbing ointment can help with that) but you really want it to go away. However, if you’re not sure how you are supposed to approach the treatment of such a sore, you might end up feeling stressed out on top of worrying about your smile, which makes matter worse. How to solve it all? As you might have guessed, you can rely on our friendly Livonia, MI practice to help!
Leave It Alone!
We know that when you have a canker sore, what you want to do is investigate, ask yourself how it’s doing, check in on it from time to time, see how bad it is, treat it, make it better. The list goes on and on. However, the best thing you can do is let it be! The more you touch it, expose it to bacteria from dirty fingers, and irritate it, the more likely you are to make things worse, to cause the sore to last longer, etc. So, just give it space and let it heal! It’s very important if you want it to go away (and go away quickly).
Swish With Salt Water
Before you assume you have to rush in to our practice for a restorative treatment to address your canker sore, we remind you that you usually don’t have to do much at all. Instead, you want to leave the area alone, as mentioned. However, this may cause you to ask: If you should leave it alone, how can you protect it and keep it clean? This is actually very easy. To do so, just remember that you should rinse your mouth with salt water a few times a day, which will help keep the site safe. (You should keep your dental hygiene going as usual, too!).
Give It Time (And Then Call, If Necessary!)
Chances are good that, as we have explained, your canker sore is going to shrink and go away without you having to put in too much effort. However, if your sore does not heal up, it seems like it’s taking forever, it’s extremely uncomfortable, or you are pretty sure you’ve never had this bad of a sore (and you’re worried), then the next choice is easy: Call our team to schedule a checkup!
See Us For Serious Canker Sores
If you have a canker sore that doesn’t heal on its own, is particularly severe, or you are feeling uncertain about it, remember that our team is here for you! Pick up the phone, get in touch with us, and come in! James Stewart, DDS, and our team serve patients from Livonia, MI and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.