Table of Contents

• What is a Canker Sore? 
• Should You Still Attend Your Cleaning If You Have a Canker Sore? 
• Steps to Healing This Oral Sore
• Reasons to Postpone a Dental Cleaning
• Comprehensive Oral Care in Arden, NC

Attending twice-yearly dental checkups is essential for keeping your teeth free from plaque and tartar, as well as detecting early signs of oral health issues. With this regular support from your trusted dentist, you can keep your teeth in great health and avoid costly preventative and restorative services.

However, if you’ve developed a canker sore, you may consider canceling your appointment. You might think this will prevent you from receiving adequate oral care or get in the way. In this blog, we’ll help you understand why you’re dealing with a canker sore, whether you can attend a teeth cleaning while dealing with it, and what conditions may require postponing your appointment. 

What is a Canker Sore? 

A canker sore is a small ulcer on the soft tissue in your mouth. This sore often appears as a small, white or yellow lesion with a red border, and it develops on the base of your gums, inside your cheeks, or under your tongue. In the days leading up to your sore’s development, you may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation when eating, drinking, and speaking. 

In many cases, your canker sore should go away in within about two weeks. However, if you have a major sore, which is much larger and more painful, it can take up to six weeks to heal fully. If the sore gets in the way of your everyday activities or doesn’t heal after two weeks, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. 

There are several reasons why you may develop this sore, including: 

• Oral trauma, like rough brushing or accidental cheek bites.
• Consumption of highly acidic or spicy foods. 
• Allergice reaction to bacteria in your mouth. 
• Low B-12, folic acid, and iron in your diet.
• Changes in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. 

Should You Still Attend Your Cleaning If You Have a Canker Sore? 

If you have an upcoming dental cleaning, you may worry that your canker sore will get in the way and that you’ll need to cancel. However, this isn’t necessary, and you can still attend your dental cleaning while dealing with the sore. This often doesn’t affect the efficiency of your dental appointment. 

It is important to understand that while your sore won’t impact your cleaning, it may make the appointment more uncomfortable than it normally is. Before your dental team begins the cleaning, you should inform them that you’re dealing with this sore so they can avoid aggitating it while caring for your teeth. 

If you’re dealing with a larger sore that takes over two weeks to heal, it may be in your best interest to postpone your appointment until it has healed. This will help you avoid any further irritation to an already irritated tissue. If you’re unsure whether you should attend the appointment, it’s best to contact your dental team for their opinion on the matter. 

Steps to Healing This Oral Sore

In many cases, your canker sore will heal on its own. Your mouth does a wonderful job of healing itself, due to its access to abundant, nutrient-rich blood. However, there are a few things you can do to support your mouth through the healing process to ensure this goes as quickly as possible, including: 

• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or dexamethasone mouthwash.
• Use corticosteroids ointments prescribed by your medical provider. 
• Rinse with warm salt water for 30 seconds several times throughout the day. 
• Avoid eating spicy, salty, hot, or acidic foods. 
• Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing regularly. 
• Use oral numbing agents to alleviate discomfort. 

Reasons to Postpone a Dental Cleaning

Maintaining a regular dental cleaning schedule is essential for protecting your teeth from deterioration. However, there may be a time when you need to cancel this appointment. While you don’t need to cancel an upcoming teeth cleaning if you have a canker sore, the following conditions may necessitate appointment cancellation: 

• Contagious illnesses: If you’re sick with the flu, a cold, or COVID-19, it’s best to postpone your appointment until you’re feeling better. 
• Dental emergencies: If you’re experiencing oral swelling or bleeding, it’s best to cancel your cleaning and schedule a checkup to catch any potential oral health problems. 
• Recent surgical procedures: These procedures may make it more difficult for your body to heal, so it’s best to postpone them until you’ve healed. 
• Concerns about potential oral cancer: If you believe you might have oral cancer, it is best to postpone your cleaning and opt for an oral cancer screening. 

In most cases, it is best to still attend you appointment. However, if you’re dealing with an oral health complication, your dental team may choose to schedule other treatments, like root canals or treatment for gum disease, in lieu of your cleaning. If you’re in extreme pain, it’s essential to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.

Putting off treatment for oral health conditions that cause extreme discomfort can lead to worsening symptoms and compromise the integrity of your teeth. While you may be uncomfortable, scheduling emergency dental care with a trusted dentist can help you protect your teeth and avoid further discomfort. 

Comprehensive Oral Care in Arden, NC

While you might worry about needing to cancel your teeth cleaning due to a canker sore, you are still safe to visit a trusted dental team. Anyone with experience in the dental field will have plenty of experience handling this oral irritation, and will do everything they can to alleviate discomfort during your upcoming dental appointment. 

If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Arden, NC, area to help you handle this irritation, turn to our team at Arden Family Dental. For years, our team has provided comprehensive dental care to patients across the city. From teeth cleanings to root canals, whitening services, and more, we’re the perfect team for your dental needs. 

When you’re ready to schedule a teeth cleaning with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us.