Canker sores on tonsils can be caused by food allergies, medication sensitivities, poor oral hygiene, or reactions to toothpaste. They are usually not dangerous or contagious and can go away on their own, but medicated mouthwashes and prescription drugs can help reduce symptoms. Food allergies, medication sensitivities, and toothpaste allergies can be identified by tracking what is eaten or used. Poor oral hygiene can also cause canker sores. Treatment options include antimicrobial mouthwashes and oral medications.
Canker sores on tonsils are most commonly caused by food allergies, sensitivities to certain medications, or adverse reactions to toothpastes and other oral health products. In some cases they can also be caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth properly, particularly if the trend goes on for months at a time. While the sores can be painful, they are usually not dangerous or contagious and usually go away on their own, often in as little as a week. However, some medicated mouthwashes can help reduce symptoms, and in very severe situations, prescription drugs may also be needed.
Basics of canker sore
Most medical experts describe canker sores as ulcers that develop inside the mouth and throat cavity. They are usually most common on the inside of the lip or cheek, but can grow on the surface of the tonsils as well. They usually appear as red or pinkish bumps that can feel tender and painful. When they develop inside the cheeks, lips, or gums, they’re usually the result of biting or injuring the area; when they develop on the tonsils, the culprit is almost always something that has been eaten or ingested. The tonsils are located in the back of the mouth just above the throat opening and tend to be very sensitive.
Food allergy
Food allergies are one of the most common causes of canker sores. Some of the more frequent triggers include strawberries, tomatoes, and other highly acidic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, some types of shellfish are also linked to a high occurrence. Individuals who develop these types of canker sores might benefit from tracking what they eat just before experiencing the irritation. This type of monitoring can help identify the cause of the sore so that particular food can be avoided. Testing for food allergies can also help find out the particular food causing the sores. Sometimes people have other reaction symptoms, such as a rash or difficulty breathing, but not always; in minor cases, irritations may be one of the only noticeable symptoms.
Drug sensitivity
Sensitivity and allergies to certain types of medications can cause canker sores anywhere in the mouth, including the tonsils. Again, keeping track of what drugs have been introduced is often one of the best ways to help people identify which particular drug caused the plague. Antibiotics are one of the most frequent culprits. Even when a person is fairly sure that a medication is at the root of the problem, it’s important that they consult a healthcare professional before trying to fix things on their own. Stopping a drug regimen before it has finished its course, particularly when dealing with specialized medications such as antibiotics, can cause a number of other problems.
As a reaction to certain toothpastes
This type of tonsil irritation has also been linked to toothpaste allergies in some people. The allergic reaction usually occurs due to a specific ingredient in the toothpaste, although what exactly that ingredient is can vary from person to person. Individuals experiencing an allergic reaction to toothpaste should read the ingredients list carefully. Comparing the ingredient list of an allergy-causing toothpaste to one that hasn’t produced a reaction can help identify the ingredient causing the canker sore. People who have this type of sensitivity will often develop sores whenever they’re exposed to that particular ingredient, meaning toothpaste may not be the only problem; mouthwashes or other oral care products that contain it will likely lead to similar results.
Poor oral hygiene
In some cases, canker sores on the tonsils can result from poor hygiene. Failure to brush your teeth regularly, for example, has been identified as a possible cause of canker sores, as this can lead to bacteria buildup in the mouth and bad breath. Regular brushing, using the right type of toothbrush, and applying the right amount of pressure are all important to ensure proper dental hygiene and prevent this and other problems.
Treatment options
Canker sores aren’t usually considered a serious medical condition, and unless they’re causing a great deal of discomfort, people are usually advised to wait for the situation to clear up. Most of the time, they will go away on their own after a week or so. Sores on the tonsils are often more painful, however, and people more commonly seek treatment for them than for those that occur on the lips or cheeks. Sometimes specially formulated antimicrobial mouthwashes can help reduce swelling, and sometimes medicated gargle solutions are also prescribed. Oral medications such as antibiotics may also be needed, although these solutions are usually reserved for the most extreme cases.
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