Various areas in the oral cavity can be a place for canker sores to develop, and the gums are no exception. Canker sores on the gums can be caused by many things, from irritation or injury to infection of the gums. In order not to get worse or reappear, canker sores on the gums need to be treated properly.
Canker sores on the gums are characterized by the appearance of oval or round sores. The center of the canker sore is usually white, gray, or yellow, and the edges are reddish. Canker sores on the gums often cause pain or soreness, especially when eating, drinking, or talking.
Various Possible Causes of Thrush on the Gums
The following are some of the causes of canker sores on the gums:
1. Cedera
Injuries or sores on the gums and oral cavity can cause canker sores. Injuries to the gums and mouth can occur when you brush your teeth too hard or in a hurry, use braces or dentures, as well as when you get hit in the mouth during sports or in an accident.
2. Irritation
Thrush in the gums can also occur when the gum tissue and the oral cavity become irritated. This irritation can occur due to the habit of consuming foods that are too sour or spicy, as well as smoking habits. In addition, the content of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) in toothpaste or mouthwash can also trigger the growth of canker sores.
3. Viral and bacterial infections
Sores on the gums that resemble canker sores can be a sign of gingivostomastitis, which is an infection of the mouth and gums caused by viruses or bacteria. This infection is more prone to occur when dental and oral hygiene are not maintained.
In addition to canker sores on the gums, other symptoms that can appear due to this condition are fever, swollen gums, bleeding or festering gums, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.
4. Certain diseases
Canker sores that often recur or don't heal on the gums or other parts of the mouth can also indicate certain diseases, such as lupus, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and oral cancer. Canker sores that do not heal need to be checked by a dentist so that they can be treated properly.
In addition to the three causes above, canker sores on the gums can also be caused by malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of B vitamins and iron; stress; heredity; to the side effects of treatment, such as chemotherapy.
Efforts to Prevent Thrush on the Gums Get Worse and Appear Again
Canker sores on the gums can be painful and very annoying, especially when chewing food. However, canker sores on the gums usually get better within 1-2 weeks.
To prevent canker sores on the gums getting worse and reappearing, here are some things you can do:
- Brush your teeth every day regularly, after eating and before going to bed, and use dental floss to clean food debris that is still stuck between your teeth
- Brush your teeth the right way, and don't brush your teeth too hard or in a hurry
- Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid using mouthwash that contains sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol
- Checking dental and oral health regularly to the dentist every 6 months
- Do not smoke
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet and limit the consumption of spicy, sour, or too sweet foods
- Gargling salt water
Thrush in the gums is generally not a dangerous condition and can heal on its own in less than 2 weeks. However, if the canker sore does not go away after 3 weeks, is large, or is accompanied by other complaints, such as fever and tooth loss, you should immediately consult a dentist.