Thursday, November 4, 2010

Canker Sores or "Singaw" (Aphthous Stomatitis)

 Canker sores, "Singaw"or Aphthous stomatitis is a benign autoimmune condition that is usually due to nutritional deficiencies arising from lack of Iron, Vitamin B12 or Folic Acid.
Aphthous stomatitis are among the most common oral mucosal lesions physicians and dentists observe. Recurrent aphthous ulcer is a disorder of unknown etiology that can cause clinically significant morbidity. One or several discrete, shallow, painful ulcers are visible on the unattached mucous membranes. Individual ulcers typically last 7-10 days. Larger ulcers may last several weeks to months and can scar when healing.

Management usually begins with good oral hygiene and by avoiding toothpaste containing Sodium Lauryl SO4.Chlorhexidine Gluconate[Orahex] mouhwash preferably alcohol free can also help lessen the severity and course of the discomfort.
Multivitamins with iron are recommended but do not have any clear benefit unless the patient has laboratory-confirmed hematinic deficiency.Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid may also be prescribed if patient shows signs of deficiency or malnutrition.

The easiest home remedy is to apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab on the canker sore (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water). Then dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sore 3-4 times a day. This is not only soothing, but it appears to help healing

No comments: