There are two types of canker sores: simple canker sores, which may appear 3-4 times a year or complex canker sores, which are less common and occur more often in people who have previously had them.

The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Stress or tissue injury is thought to cause simple canker sores. Certain food–including citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as  lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, tomatoes and strawberries)  can trigger a canker sore. Some complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system, nutritional problems, gastrointestinal tract diseases, or an iron deficiency.

Although there is no cure for canker sores, you may be able to reduce their frequency by: avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, avoid gum chewing. Brush with a soft bristled brush after meals and floss daily, which will keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a sore.

Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in a week or two. If sores are large, painful or persistent  contact your Detroit area dentist Dr.Shlafer so he may  prescribe something to reduce the pain and irritation.

How do you prevent or treat the (sometimes painful) troubles that can lurk in your mouth? One example might be a cavity, also known as tooth decay, this occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria  forms when you eat sugars or starches, is allowed to linger on teeth to long. Anyone is at risk to develop a cavity.

Another example  would be gum disease, which is an infection caused by plaque that attacks the gums, bone,and ligaments that keep your teeth in place. The early stage  of gum disease is known as gingivitis, the advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis.

Tooth infection, also a common problem, develops when the pulp inside the tooth is damaged or becomes infected do to decay or injury. Anyone with a deep cavity or cracked tooth, which can let in bacteria, can be at risk. An injured tooth may have a problem even if it’s not visibly cracked or chipped.It’s always best to have Dr.Shlafer evaluate a damaged tooth.

These are just a few examples of common tooth problems (others include dry mouth, TMJ problems enamel erosion, and oral cancer). Being aware of the changes in your mouth and alerting Dr.Shlafer at your regular checkup can help to resolve problems early on.