Canker sores are small, superficial ulcers that appear in the mouth.
Often harmless, they can become disturbing when they are recurrent.
Doctor Jimmy Mohamed explains to what they are due in the program "Sans Rendez-vous", Tuesday on Europe 1.
Having a canker sore in the mouth is a common phenomenon that everyone can experience in their lifetime. They appear occasionally but can sometimes become recurring episodes, as is the case for Clélia who wonders if this is normal. Doctor Jimmy Mohamed explains to what they are due, Thursday afternoon in the program "Sans Rendez-vous".
>> Find all of Sans rendez-vous in replay and podcast here
Is it normal to have canker sores?
"Having a canker sore during your lifetime is very common. It is rather common in children and up to the age of 50, then it improves. But some will have recurring episodes: six episodes per year canker sores for which we do not necessarily have an explanation.Others will have miliary canker sores with 50 to 100 canker sores which are less than a millimeter and sometimes giant aphthoses of one to two centimeters, these are forms rather rare but for which we have no explanation. "
What are they due to?
"Classic aphthosis is often due to a context of stress, fatigue or when we have dental problems with dentures that are poorly put on. It can also come from foods such as nuts, peanuts, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, etc. strawberries and then certain drugs: anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers. And then there are other causes a little rarer but which should be investigated. This is the reason why you have to go see your doctor. doctor If you ever have vitamin B12 deficiency, for example iron.
It can also be indicative of celiac disease.
Finally, if you ever have these canker sores with liquid salts it can be indicative of Crohn's disease or autoimmune diseases.
If you have it from time to time it is not very serious, but if it is recurrent it is advisable to see your doctor because he will prescribe you a check-up at that time. "
Is there a treatment?
"In principle, there is no treatment, except when it is recurrent. It is a very particular form that requires specialist advice. And in these cases, corticosteroids can be used in local form - in mouthwashes - or in tablet form but this is really a specialist opinion. "