While wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is usually simple with few adversaries, there are times when it can leave you with more than just post-surgical soreness. One such unexpected complication is the development of canker sores. These shallow ulcerations are nothing but a nuisance in the course of recovery. In this blog, we have detailed why a canker sore might erupt after wisdom teeth removal and ways to manage it.
Chances Of Canker Sore After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Is it possible to develop a canker sore after wisdom teeth removal? Yes, it is; however, the cause is more likely stress rather than the procedure itself. As per research findings, stress can induce canker sores, and since some people have dental anxiety, the whole thing can be a huge ordeal triggering the occurrence of a canker sore in the mouth.
Or Is It A Mere Coincidence?
Although stress is a major factor, it may also have been a coincidence if you get canker sores often. Since the exact causes of canker sores are still not fully established, maybe it happened at an inaccurate moment that coincided with your dental visit.
Another possible theory for canker sore development is using some stimulating food items that trigger the development of these ulcerations. Some of them are listed below:
- Melons
- Limes
- Lemons
- Pineapples
- Tomatoes
- Coffee
- Foods High in gluten
- Vinegar
- Wine
- Chocolate
- Nuts (walnuts)
Oral healthcare experts recommend avoiding these foods if you get the condition often. If the list includes your favorites, don’t worry. You can individually identify the food that is causing a canker sore in your mouth rather than excluding the entire fraction.
5 Reasons Why Canker Sore Develops in Mouth
So, what actually causes a canker sore to appear after wisdom teeth removal?
- Genes and Immune System
If you have seen your mum, dad, aunts, uncles, or anyone else in your family with these ulcers, you may be genetically predisposed to the condition. Canker sores can run in families and may be linked to problems with the body’s immune system. They may occur right after a mouth injury due to dental work, aggressive tooth brushing, or tongue or cheek biting. - Stress
Fatigue, emotional stress, and anxiety related to wisdom teeth removal can trigger a canker sore in the mouth. Stress is an antagonist and weakens the immune system, making one more prone to develop issues like canker sores. Even biting the inside of the cheek or tongue or chewing a sharp piece of food may trigger it. - Dietary Deficiencies
What you eat on a daily basis influences a lot of responses your body shows. Canker sores may be triggered due to dietary deficiencies if you have the habit of skipping some categories of food. If your body lacks iron, folic acid, or Vitamin B-12, canker sores are a given.
Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients may aid in reducing the chances of developing canker sores after wisdom teeth removal and overall at any time. - Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are common in women during the phases of menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause. This shift may be a contributing factor to the presence of canker sore after tooth extraction. - Oral Trauma
Your mouth shows reaction to physical stress by inflammation and ulcer development. Trauma to the mouth can be from dental procedures like tooth extraction or accidental such as biting the cheek.
Top 5 Ways You Can Heal A Canker Sore
Follow these tips to quickly get yourself out of the agony of having canker sores in your mouth after wisdom teeth removal:
- Rinse Your Mouth
Dentists recommend not using alcohol-based mouthwashes since it can have adverse effects. Instead, make a saltwater mouth rinse at home and swish, swirl, and gently let water out. - Apply Topical Products
You can use both over-the-counter and prescription products such as creams, gels, or pastes, that have actives such as benzocaine, fluocinonide, or hydrogen peroxide to relieve pain. Not only that, these compounds enhance healing when they come directly in contact with the sore as soon as they appear. - Oral Medications
If you do not pay attention to the ulcers early on, they may progress, and in such a case scenario, canker sores do not respond to topical treatments. At this point, oral medications may be used. Usually, oral steroidal medicines are reserved as the last resort because they have serious side effects. - Cautery
Cautery is a procedure in which the experts use an instrument or chemical substance that burns, sears, or destroys tissue it is applied to. - Nutritional Supplements
If your food intake is a miss and you have low levels of folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, or zinc, get prescription nutritional supplements to help with healing.
Additionally, you simply need to give your canker sore some time to heal properly on its own. Canker sores typically go away themselves after about 2 weeks.
Prevention Tips
Entirely stopping canker sores from developing is a bit difficult to achieve because those who get it once tend to live with it throughout their life in the form of flares or spikes. However you can certainly avoid triggers that can significantly decrease the incidences of it.
Some tips that might help include:
- Steer clear of triggers. If you know what causes it, try your best to avoid them.
- Use SLS-free toothpaste, shampoo, and other soaps.
- Practice stress-relieving activities that can not only help you stay calm during your day but also reduce dental anxiety.
- Make sure to practice a good oral hygiene regime. Brush and floss twice every day. Keeping your teeth healthy means no extractions and no canker sores.
Closing Note
Developing a canker sore is quite possible after wisdom teeth removal. Although the cause may not be the procedure itself but rather stress induced by the thought of it. Other than that, if you have been getting these sores on and off, even before surgery, try identifying and avoiding the triggers that cause it.
If you have more questions regarding canker sores or wisdom teeth extraction we offer, get in touch with Dr. Amjad Sheikh at Trinity Dental Centers, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field. He and his team are just a call away to guide you through all your dental needs. Dial (281) 724-4510 to connect with us.
