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When you are dealing with an oral lesion it can be painful just to talk or enjoy meals. There are many different kinds of mouth sores that can appear, but the two most common types are fever blisters (also referred to as cold sores) and canker sores. Find out more about these two common mouth sores and how your Milwaukie, OR Ear, Nose and Throat doctors recommend avoiding these sores from reoccurring.Canker

Fever blisters/ Cold sores

Fever blisters often occur on the lips; however, they can also appear on the gums or roof of the mouth. Theses fluid-filled lesions are usually painful. They will erupt and crust over, lasting up to a week or more. Fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus and can reoccur during periods of stress, trauma, infection or even hormonal changes.

Canker sores

While canker sores also appear in the mouth they are different from fever blisters. These lesions are typically red or white and appear on the tongue, lips or cheeks. However, canker sores cannot be found on the roof of the mouth or the gums. These sores are also painful and can last anywhere from a few days up to 10 days.

So, how can you prevent these mouth sores?

Stop smoking: Smoking can irritate the sensitive soft tissue in the mouth, which can bring about canker sores. Furthermore, those who smoke also increase their healing time, so you can expect canker sores and fever blisters to take longer to go away.

Reduce stress: Stress is one major factor that can activate the herpes simplex virus, which otherwise lays dormant in the body. Talk to your Milwaukie, OR ENT doctors about the best ways to combat stress in your life to reduce your chances of developing fever blisters.

Chew slowly: While this might sound like odd advice, by chewing slowly you are less likely to damage or cut tissue in your mouth, which can cause canker sores to develop.

Eat a healthy balanced diet: Certain acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes are known to cause canker sores. If you are prone to developing canker sores then it’s best to avoid acidic foods as much as possible.

Practice good oral hygiene: This goes without saying, but if you keep your mouth free of infection or bacteria you are less likely to experience complications like fever blisters or canker sores. Keep your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing every day.

Avoid hot foods or beverages: Just as we always recommend chewing slowly to prevent injury to your gums and mouth, the same goes for hot foods, as well. Burns can also cause irritation and trauma to the skin, which can bring about a fever blister.

If you are dealing with mouth sores that cause you chronic pain or make it difficult to eat, then you need to see your Milwaukie, OR ENT doctor for treatment. Call Northwest ENT & Allergy Care PC today at (503)513-8693.

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Watermark integrated home sleep technology is a fast, simple and cost effective alternative for the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. After identification of appropriate candidates for testing through a validated OSA risk questionnaire, home sleep testing equipment is provided to the patient by the provider. The Watermark sleep testing devices have been validated to be as effective as an in-lab sleep studies, yet with the convenience and simplicity of being performed in the comfort of the patients home at a fraction of the cost. Upon completion of the 2 night study, the information is uploaded to the WM Sleep Portal where the study data is auto-processed, undergoes a technical QA edit and professional interpretation by Dr. Adrian Varela, board certified sleep physician before being returned to the ordering provider for diagnosis, all within 48 hours.