What Is The White Stuff In A Canker Sore?
Often in the later stages of a canker sore, you will notice a layer of white stuff in the canker sore. So what is this white stuff in a canker sore and why does it form? We are going to explore what it means and how to deal with it.
What Is The White Stuff In A Canker Sore?
The white stuff that you often notice in your canker sore or mouth ulcer is residue from dead tissue and bacteria. The scientific name for this white stuff is slough. It adheres to the wound bed and consists of dead cells that accumulate in the wound [1].
During the inflammatory stage of the canker sores healing, neutrophils rush to the site of the wound to clear away debris and dead tissue. However, the tissue often dies faster than it can be cleared out, which is why you will notice the white stuff or slough [2].
Make Sure To Prevent Bacteria From Growing On Canker Sore
The location of the canker sore and the “white stuff” in the canker sore is a breeding ground for bacteria. This is why in order to speed up the healing of the canker sore, it is very important to keep the bacteria from growing. This can be done best by using a saltwater rinse or peroxide mouthwash. Keeping the site of the outbreak bacteria free is key to promoting healing.
What To Do About The White Stuff In A Canker Sore
In most cases, this white stuff will resolve itself on its own. However, research has shown that the white stuff in a canker sore actually slows down the healing by creating a further infection of the canker sore.
In order to combat this and speed up the healing process, often a debridement agent can be helpful. Canker Shield is one of the best debridement agents available to first cauterize the canker sore and then to speed up healing with ingredients like alum and lysine, as well as others.
How Does Canker Shield Work?
It is a Mild Cautery - This means that it shrinks tissue and strengthens blood vessels as well as calms inflammation. This will help get rid of the white stuff to prevent infection. It also lowers the PH of the wound to help prevent bacterial growth, which leads to much faster healing.
It Contains Lysine - Lysine is a very important amino acid that is crucial for canker sore healing. Applying lysine to the area of the site and taking it daily can speed up healing immensely.
Click here to learn more about Canker Shield.
