Laser Treatment for Canker Sores
What is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore, also known as an aphthous ulcer, is an autoimmune response which damages the skin inside the mouth. The ulcer appears as a white or yellow center with a red border and can be seen on the inside of the lips or cheeks, on or underneath the tongue, and on the back of the throat.
Canker sores can vary in size from small (less than half a centimeter) to large. They are usually associated with stress, sodium laurel sulfate in toothpaste, or hereditary factors. They can become painful, and commonly come back in multiple areas.
How does Laser Treatment Work?
Without any injections to numb the area, the painless laser energy penetrates the lesion in order to heal the canker sore. The laser does not touch the skin and is controlled by keeping the tip of the laser several millimeters away from the tissue. Treatment lasts about 15 minutes, and most patients feel better immediately afterward. The treated canker sore usually heals within 24 hours, versus 7-10 days
without laser treatment.
What should your child expect after treatment?
Most patients feel immediate relief after laser treatment, and do not require another treatment. The time it takes the ulcer to heal shortens dramatically when compared to no treatment, usually within 24 hours!
Canker sores can come back, but laser treatment can lengthen the time between breakouts. Sores can be retreated, and over time, may cease to recur at all.
Can the Laser Treat Other
Sores?
Laser treatment may be able to help similar sores that are painful, white, or red in or around the mouth. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rumack to see if a laser treatment is indicated.
What should i do if My Child has a Cold or Canker Sore?
Keep your child well-hydrated and well-rested. If your child is complaining of pain on eating, keep them on a soft diet, and avoid any acidic foods or beverages like lemonade, citrus, or tomato sauce. And remember, early treatment is the best treatment.
Canker sores are best treated at the beginning stages in order to relieve pain and bring about healing. If you feel that your child is developing a canker sore, call our office at 818-222-4543 as soon as possible, and we will do our best to see
them within 24 hours. In most cases, we can see them on the same day!
If you’d like to learn more, please view this video from The Doctors highlighting this innovative way to
relieve canker sore pain immediately for your child!