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.
Surprisingly, even though a New Orleans dentist invented dental flossing back in 1815, it has only been in the last 10-20 years that flossing has been promoted as a 
necessity for oral hygiene. Even so, The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that while nearly every American brushes his or her teeth, only 40% of people floss daily. It is not uncommon for patients to floss a day or two before their dental appointment to avoid anyone finding out the truth they have not been flossing but, I will let you in a little secret we know! A few days of frantic flossing before an appointment does not replace daily flossing, and it shows! Flossing is now considered an absolute necessity for proper oral hygiene.
Flossing Facts:
Studies show that without flossing, an astonishing 40% of the surfaces of your teeth are never clean! Brushing and mouthwash regimes only clean 60% of your pearly whites.
5 Key Reasons to Floss
- Flossing prevents tooth decay. Brushing is only partially effective. Flossing helps prevent tooth decay in those hard to reach areas.
- Flossing keeps gum disease away. Healthy teeth mean healthy gums and result in a healthy mouth.
- Flossing promotes fresh breath. Regular flossing blocks halitosis because odor-causing bacteria live in the crevices between teeth.
- Flossing brings comfort. There are few things more uncomfortable than having a popcorn kernel, stringy fruit, or vegetable remains lodged between your teeth. Flossing removes a piece of trapped food without damaging your teeth.
- Flossing creates a clean, attractive smile. There is nothing more unappealing than having leftover food in and on your teeth.
Getting Into The Daily Habit Of Flossing:
- Establish a pattern. Floss at the same time every day. To remove food build up, it makes the most sense to floss as part of your bedtime routine.
- Combine flossing with another activity. Some people like to floss while watching TV; with practice you won’t even need a mirror.
- Keep floss available, in the car, your desk at work and of course the bathroom.
- Remember, this is a habit best done in private.
Floss for life and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime!
We all have it from time to time from something we ate or from being ill, but chronic bad breath or halitosis can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Start simple, there is no need to look any further than the last thing you put in your mouth.Smoking, drinking and poor daily oral hygiene can also be common contributors to bad breath. Having an oral exam by the dentist or hygienist to see if your chronic bad breath is due to something more serious than just a poor lunch choice is a good idea.
Develop a good daily oral hygiene routine. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth and tongue with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and flossing at least once daily. If your bad breath remains, try keeping a food diary along with a list of medications, over the counter medications and herbal supplements. Bring this information along to you to your dental check up for Dr.Shlafer to review. You do not have to put up with bad breath, it can be cured or significantly improved, it may also be a warning sign of an undetected systemic disease. Find the answers you need at your next visit.
You can learn more about the bad breath and treatments here:
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