Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Mouth ulcers also known as canker sores, as well as oral lesions, can be irritating, and painful, interfering with your ability to chew, eat, speak, and drink. In some cases, they even can become embarrassing as they can be quite noticeable. Tusculum Dental Care, state-of-the-art dental practice in Greeneville, wants you to learn about these oral lesions, and find out how our laser therapy can easily treat these common mouth sores.
What causes canker sores and oral lesions?
Canker sores should not be confused with cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
While the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, they are thought to be triggered by the following:
- Stress
- Consuming acidic foods
- Trauma to the oral tissues (a bite, dental work, or eating)
- An allergic reaction to certain foods
- Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common ingredient found in toothpaste
It has also been thought that experiencing canker sores for a prolonged period or having them occur frequently may be a result in an underlying health condition such as celiac disease, or gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease. A deficiency in vitamins such as B12, zinc, iron, or folic acid, or having a weakened immune system may be related to the frequent occurrence of canker sores. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist in Greeneville if you experience canker sores more than just on occasion.
How your Greeneville dentist treats canker sores
Most canker sores will clear up with a week or two, but during this time they can be quite painful and sore. While there are certain topical ointments that may help lessen any discomfort and shorten the duration of your canker sore, this isn’t always the case for everyone and in every situation. Relief may last mere minutes or may not even occur at all. But, your Greeneville dentists can do much more to help.
Here’s how to get rid of canker sore pain. Dr. Craig Shepherd and Dr. Nathaniel Renner employ state-of-the-art dental lasers that can provide instant relief from canker sore discomfort. We are proud to be able to use our technology to help so many patients in the area who deal with these painful mouth sores.
How a soft tissue dental laser can zap your canker sore
By using a soft tissue diode laser, the infrared laser modifies the nerve conduction inside of the canker sore or other painful oral lesion. It also vaporizes the soft tissue and sterilizes the area. Our dental laser also helps speed up cell regeneration and helps the wound heal much quicker than with no treatment at all. It is best to treat an oral lesion with a dental laser at first sight of the sore to receive the most effective results.
Greeneville dentist that treats mouth sores
If you would like to learn more about how our dental lasers can zap your oral lesions and canker sores with no downtime, contact Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575 and schedule an appointment.
Tusculum Dental Care welcomes patients of the Greeneville area, as well as Erwin and Jonesborough, Tennessee.