Q:

I've been getting a lot of canker sores for the past two weeks. I brush, floss and rinse multiple times a day and sometimes I swish with hydrogen peroxide; it helps, but when one goes away more take its place. My gums are a little puffy but still pink. Should I see a doctor or a dentist?

 

A:

Canker sores (or aphthous ulcers) are an immune system over-stimulation, usually from stress, viruses or sensitivity reactions to toothpaste/mouthwash. In this case, swishing with Hydrogen Peroxide may be the exactly wrong thing to do, as it is quite irritating and drying to the mucus membranes.

You need to switch to a "sensitive" toothpaste. (Rembrandt is one brand) and not use any rinses. You certainly might benefit from a dental evaluation, or a more general assessment of your overall health with one of our providers.

~The Doc