Thrush on the gums: causes, symptoms and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Canker sores are one of the most common oral and gum health conditions. Apart from the lips and tongue, you can also feel canker sores in other parts of the oral cavity, including the gums. The appearance of canker sores will certainly cause discomfort in the mouth, even making it difficult for you to eat and speak.

Then, what causes canker sores on the gums? What are the prevention and treatment measures? You can see more details in the review below.

Various causes of canker sores on the gums

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, until now the cause of canker sores that arise in the oral cavity is not clearly known. Some researchers suspect that several factors can be the source of the problems experienced by many circles.

Some of the causes of canker sores on the gums that you need to pay attention to include the following.

1. Trauma and irritation

Trauma can arise as a result of dental work, such as brushing your teeth so hard that you injure the gums. Use bracket braces or improperly fitting dentures can also lead to sores that can result in canker sores on the gums.

In addition, sores in the mouth can also be triggered by irritation due to the content of toothpaste and mouthwash that contain certain chemicals. sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS.

2. Food and drink sensitivity

The food and drinks that you consume daily can also trigger canker sores. Types of food and drinks that are too hot and have a spicy and sour taste can irritate the soft tissues in the oral cavity, including the gums.

In addition, certain food sensitivities and allergies can also be the cause, such as chocolate, coffee, eggs, nuts, cinnamon, cheese, pineapple, and citrus fruits.

3. Lack of vitamins and minerals

The body needs nutrients, such as certain vitamins and minerals to keep it in optimal condition. Lack of nutrients such as vitamin B3, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, and iron can make you more prone to having sores in your mouth.

4. Hormonal changes

Quoted by StatPearls, women are more prone to experience oral problems, such as mouth sores, swollen gums, and bleeding gums. This is caused by hormonal changes that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Increased levels of the hormone progesterone during this time affect blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to injury.

5. Certain diseases

Certain diseases and health conditions that you experience also have the potential to cause canker sores on the gums or other parts of the mouth, such as:

• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease , such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Behcet's Syndrome
• HIV / AIDS and other immune disorders

Symptoms of thrush on the gums

Aphthous thrush or stomatitis is characterized by the appearance of a small, shallow, crater-shaped wound in the oral cavity. Apart from the gums, you can also find them in the soft tissues in the oral cavity, such as the inner lips, cheeks, roof of the mouth, tongue, and even the throat.

In general, quoted from the American Academy of Oral Medicine, a simple type of thrush (minor aphthous stomatitis) is the most common canker sores. These canker sores are small, can heal on their own in 1-2 weeks, are not contagious, and do not cause scars.

Some of the common symptoms that you can feel if you have mouth sores on the gums include:

• The wound is white or gray, round in shape with a red border.
• Pain in the wound when exposed to touch, for example when eating and drinking.
• Tingling sensation and burning mouth 1-2 days before the appearance of the wound.

However, in some serious conditions, you may also experience:

• Fever
• Physical lethargy
• Swollen lymph nodes

How to quickly deal with canker sores on the gums?

Until now, there is no specific type of medicine that works to treat thrush. Even so, simple canker sores that appear on the gums generally heal on their own after 7-14 days.

How to deal with thrush on the gums you can do at home. This is useful for reducing pain and speeding up the healing process of the canker sores themselves.

1. Gargle salt or baking soda

Salt water has an antibacterial effect that can prevent canker sores from getting worse. The benefits of gargling salt water can also relieve inflammation and pain.

You can also use baking soda that is available in the kitchen. In addition to whitening teeth, baking soda is also effective for treating canker sores on the gums.

Simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt or baking soda in a glass of warm water, use it to rinse your mouth, and remove the water marks. Do this several times a day until the wound subsides and falls.

2. Avoid consumption of certain foods

Certain types of food that you commonly eat can make canker sores worse. First avoid foods with spicy and sour flavors. Also stay away from foods with hard characteristics, such as nuts, potato chips, and the like.

During the recovery period, you should eat foods with a soft texture that doesn't hurt the gums. Also pay attention to the nutritional intake so that it is maintained and balanced.

3. Take pain relievers

If the pain due to thrush that appears on the gums interferes with activities, you can take pain relievers to relieve the stinging sensation and a tingling sensation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Before drinking, make sure you read the recommended use. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you do not understand this.

4. Brushing your teeth slowly

Even if you feel sore and uncomfortable in your mouth, you still have to pay attention to the cleanliness of your teeth and gums. Do the technique of brushing your teeth slowly using a soft, soft-bristled toothbrush.

Also pay attention to the content of toothpaste that you commonly use. Make sure there is no content sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which can worsen the condition of canker sores.

5. Gargle with mouthwash

Another way to treat thrush on the gums is to use mouthwash. You can use a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide, benzocaine, or fluocinonide to relieve pain and speed up the recovery of canker sores.

You can find mouthwash to treat thrush at a pharmacy. Read the recommended use first or better consult a doctor before using it.

What are the steps to prevent thrush that you can take?

To prevent canker sores on the gums or in other parts of the oral cavity from reappearing, there are various steps you can take, such as:

• Always pay attention to consumption of food and drinks. Avoid food ingredients that cause allergies and irritation to the oral cavity such as spicy, sour, or too hot.
• Choose nutritious foods. To prevent the body from deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, always make sure to consume additional vegetables, fruits, or supplements.
• Take care of the health of the oral cavity. Routine brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing , and use mouthwash to prevent oral health problems.
• Protect the gums and mouth. Always consult a doctor if problems arise when using braces, dentures, and the like.
• Reduce stress. One of the conditions that cause thrush can be avoided by meditation, yoga, or other activities.

Although it can heal on its own, you need to be aware of the condition of canker sores if it doesn't heal after two weeks, recurs frequently, and is accompanied by excessive pain.

Immediately visit and consult a doctor for further diagnosis of whether certain medical procedures are needed to be able to treat it.