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A canker sore on the gum appears as a small, round, white or yellowish ulcer with a red border, often very sensitive when eating or brushing your teeth. Unlike an abscess, it does not contain pus and is benign in the vast majority of cases. It usually heals on its own within one to two weeks.
key points to remember
- A canker sore on the gum is a benign superficial lesion, without pus, that heals on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.
- It is often triggered by brushing too hard, a sharp food or dental appliance.
- Do not confuse it with an abscess, which swells, throbs and may cause a fever.
- A gum canker sore that lasts more than three weeks should be examined by a dentist.
Recognizing a canker sore on the gum
A canker sore on the gum looks like a small crater with a pale center, surrounded by a red halo. It is painful to the touch and when it comes into contact with food, but the pain remains localized and superficial. The surrounding gum may look slightly irritated, without significant swelling.
This lesion differs from other gum problems. Gums that bleed during brushing are more suggestive of gingivitis, while a lump that swells, throbs and may be accompanied by a fever suggests a dental abscess, which requires urgent treatment. A canker sore, on the other hand, remains flat and contains no pus.
To place this lesion among the others, it is useful to recall what a canker sore is: a benign, non-contagious ulcer of the mucous membrane that can appear on the gum, tongue or inside of the cheeks.
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Why do you get a canker sore on the gum?
On the gum, a canker sore is very often linked to a minor mechanical injury. The area is directly exposed to brushing and food, creating multiple opportunities for minor trauma.
Brushing too hard
A hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing horizontally with too much force can injure the gum and encourage a canker sore to develop.
A sharp food
A bread crust, chips or hard food can scrape the gum and leave a small wound.
An appliance or dental treatment
A dental appliance, poorly fitting prosthesis or recent treatment can sometimes repeatedly rub against the gum.
Increased sensitivity
Stress, fatigue, menstruation or iron and vitamin B deficiencies can make the gums more prone to canker sores.
How can you relieve a canker sore on the gum?
The first step is to reduce irritation while the sore heals. Avoid acidic, spicy, salty and crunchy foods, and choose soft, lukewarm textures instead. Rinsing with lukewarm water and baking soda or using a gentle mouthwash can help keep the area clean.
Brushing should continue, but gently: when done incorrectly, it is precisely what can keep the canker sore irritated. The Y-Brush sonic toothbrush, with its soft filaments that wrap around each jaw for ten seconds, cleans without pressing or aggressively rubbing the gums. Y-Brush is 2× more efficient than traditional electric toothbrushes, according to tests conducted by Y-Brush (see the clinical studies): this brushing, 2× more efficient than a traditional electric toothbrush, cares for sensitive gums while keeping the mouth healthy.
A protective gel applied locally can shield the canker sore from friction and soothe the pain. If the discomfort persists, a pharmacist or dentist can recommend a product suitable for the gums.
Canker sore or gum abscess: how can you tell the difference?
The distinction is important because an abscess is an infection that must be treated without delay. A canker sore remains superficial and flat; an abscess swells, becomes hot, throbs intermittently, may release pus and sometimes cause a fever. If in doubt, it is best to seek advice promptly.
