I called my dentist because I’ve had a canker sore for 6 days. It has been hurting pretty bad. I bought some over-the-counter ointment, but the pain relief is only temporary. The sore is noticeable, and I’m afraid it will burst and spread germs in my mouth. I’ve had canker sores in the past, but this one is lasting longer than the others. Is Invisalign irritating the canker sore? Should I see my primary care doctor or ask my dentist for a prescription ointment?
Thank you for your question.
Is Invisalign Causing Your Canker Sore?
Anything that irritates your mouth, including oral appliances like Invisalign, may cause canker sores. But Invisalign does not cause canker sores for all patients.
Canker sores can have these causes:
- Allergies
- Injury
- Stress
- Irritation from a dental appliance.
How Long Does it Take for a Canker Sore to Go Away?
Canker sores usually clear within two weeks. You’re just about at the halfway point, so you should try to manage it on your own. If the sore worsens over the next few days, you can visit an emergency dentist or your primary care doctor.
You made the right choice to buy an oral anesthetic. It will help minimize the pain and protect the sore. If the sore looks like it might be infected, you can also purchase a topical antiseptic. Some ointments and patches contain pain relievers and antiseptics. A mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water can be used as a mouth rinse. Some people get relief from Listerine mouthwash.
If you frequently get canker sores, you should let your dentist examine your mouth to determine what is causing them. Remember that if the sore gets worse or doesn’t improve, schedule an appointment with your current dentist if you have one.