Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth. For most people, they are common and harmless, even if they can cause relatively severe pain for such a seemingly innocuous condition. However, if you have canker sores in Canoga Park, CA, that are constantly breaking out or causing significant interruptions in your life, you might want to consult an oral pathologist to learn more about potential solutions to the problem.

What to Know About Canker Sores
Despite the commonality of canker sores, no one knows their exact causes. They are strongly linked to immune system imbalances, mouth injuries, acidic foods, stress, and hormonal changes, but there’s not enough evidence to definitively say that there’s one particular underlying cause for them. You can visit a regular dentist instead of anoral pathologist in Valencia, CA, to help you treat your canker sores, though there are times when you might benefit more from seeing a specialist rather than a generalist.

When to See an Oral Pathologist
If your canker sores are exceptionally persistent, even after making changes in your lifestyle, you might want to see a pathologist. Normally, people will develop canker sores anywhere between 3 – 6 times per year, so if they’re occurring on a monthly or even weekly basis, it’s probably time to see a professional to get a better handle on the situation.

In rare cases, you might develop herpetiform aphthous stomatitis, which occurs when small ulcers develop in one place and merge to create a large ulcer. This form of canker sore might heal relatively quickly, but if it’s happening regularly, an oral pathologist can help untangle what’s happening. Finally, there are times when symptoms of oral cancer can present like a canker sore, making it the most important to see a dentist (especially if the canker sore appears to be abnormal for any reason).

Find an Oral Surgeon in Palmdale
At Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers, we help you learn more about how your mouth changes over time. If you notice you’re developing more canker sores, or they’re taking longer to heal, our staff is here to help you diagnose and treat the problem.