Whether you have a long history of mouth ulcers or are experiencing one for the first time, it’s usually obvious something is wrong. These small sores can appear just about anywhere in your mouth. They may be painful and make eating, drinking, and speaking difficult.
The good news is that laser dentistry can offer quick relief for ulcers. If you’re looking for laser treatment for canker sores or any other type of mouth ulcer, Dr. George P. Cerniglia, General, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry can help. Our caring, experienced team provides professional laser dentistry for ulcers in Metairie, LA.
Treating Mouth Ulcers With Laser Dentistry
Mouth ulcers affect about 20% of the population, which means one in every five people gets them. For many people, they come and go occasionally during one’s life. But some people get them more often than others. People often call mouth ulcers canker sores, although that is only one type.
Mouth ulcers usually go away on their own within 10-14 days. However, soft laser therapy for mouth ulcers can speed up healing time. It can also rapidly reduce discomfort while you heal. The best part? It’s fast! Our laser treatment for mouth ulcers in Metairie only takes a few minutes.
What Are Mouth Ulcers?
A mouth ulcer describes a broad category of sores in your mouth. Unlike cold sores, which usually appear on your lips, mouth ulcers appear inside your mouth. Also, unlike cold sores, mouth ulcers are not contagious.
You may notice one or more of these sores on your gums, tongue, inner lips or cheeks, or on the roof of your mouth. They are often red around the edges and gray, white, or yellow in the center.
What Are the Different Kinds of Mouth Ulcers?
There are multiple types of mouth ulcers, including the following:
- Canker sores: Known medically as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are the most common kind of mouth ulcers. Many of our patients seek laser dentistry for aphthous ulcers. Acidic foods, minor tissue damage, and stress are common causes.
- Oral lichen planus: A chronic immune system response, this condition causes itchy rashes and lacy patches in the mucous membranes in the mouth. It is most common in women aged 50 and older.
- Leukoplakia: This condition creates excess cell growth, which leads to white or gray patches in the mouth. Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause it, but sometimes there is no clear cause.
What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can develop for many reasons, including the following:
- Abrasive toothpaste
- Certain medications
- Minor injury from biting your tongue or cheek
- Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections
- Dental work and devices, including filings, braces, and retainers
- Acidic foods like pineapples, strawberries, and citrus fruits
- Hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, and some medical conditions
- Lifestyle factors like stress and lack of sleep
While you can’t always prevent mouth ulcers, you can reduce your risk by practicing good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your dentist regularly.
How Do Lasers Work on Mouth Ulcers?
Low-level laser therapy (a.k.a. cold or soft laser therapy) is an increasingly popular treatment for various issues and conditions. It works by focusing a narrow beam of light on the treatment area.
Lasers are an effective therapy for several kinds of mouth ulcers, including canker sores. Our Metairie laser dentistry for ulcers helps with the following:
- Providing immediate pain relief
- Reducing the number of bacteria
- Drying out the ulcer
- Removing unhealthy soft tissue
- Stimulating wound healing
- Reducing future recurrences
Laser Dentistry Solutions for Ulcers in Metairie
Contact Dr. George P. Cerniglia, General, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry today if you’re looking for Metairie laser dentistry services. Dr. Cerniglia uses laser technology to treat many conditions, including canker sores, cavities, gum disease, and stained teeth.
With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Cerniglia offers a full range of general, cosmetic, and laser dentistry services. Whether you need dental fillings, tooth whitening, or laser dentistry for ulcers in Metairie, LA, call our team today at (504) 454-5880.