Professional Dental Care

                                 for the Whole Family

A lifelong Fort Worth resident, Dr. Gary C. Morton has practiced general dentistry in Fort Worth since 1974.

Dr. Gary C. Morton is an

Active Member of the

American Dental Association

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Dental Hygiene Tips

Aloe Vera soothes mouth sores

The aloe vera plant, which has been used to heal sunburned skin in the summer, can also treat common oral health conditions, including cold sores and fever blisters (outside of the mouth) and canker sores (in the mouth), according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Common mouth sores have many causes, including illness (such as colds or flu), food allergies, stress, or bacterial or fungal infections. Inside the mouth, the culprits also may include a loose orthodontic wire, a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling.

Aloe vera accelerates healing and reduces pain associated with external cold sores. In addition to its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera provides benefits to the skin by adding amino acids and B1, B2, B6 and C vitamins. To treat a cold sore, apply aloe vera lip balm or gel three times per day until a lesion has dried. Cold sores are highly contagious, so be sure to wash your hands after applying the aloe vera.

Aloe vera juice also can help internal ulcerations of the mouth, including canker sores (a common condition usually caused by stress) and lichen planus (a disease of unknown origin affecting the skin and mucus membranes). However, always discuss with Dr. Morton proper treatment techniques for conditions inside your mouth or for serious outbreaks.

Mouth sores may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Dr. Morton should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.

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Can't find a topic or answer for your question? Call Dr. Morton's office at 817.731.6496 and his staff will help you get the answers.