Pennington Family Dentistry

Everyone has had the displeasure of suffering from canker sores. These are small mouth ulcers that appear randomly on the tongue, gums or inside walls of the mouth. Having canker sores can make eating, chewing and speaking challenging. It is painful and cause massive annoyance.

There are 2 basic types of canker sores; first is the simple variety, which may appear a couple of times each year, lasting for about a week. People between the ages of 10 and 20 are the most susceptible to this kind of mouth condition. The second type is called complex canker sores. They are generally less common compared to the first type mentioned although occurring more frequently in people who previously had them.

Conventional wisdom says tissue trauma and stress are the likely causes of simple canker sores, but did you know fruits and veggies high in citric acid can bring about the oral condition or make it worse? These include oranges, apples, lemons, figs and tomatoes. Other causes of simple canker sores include wearing ill-fitting dental appliances like braces and dentures.

On the other hand, complex canker sores are caused by deficiency in iron, zinc, folic acid or vitamin B-12. Having an impaired immune system as well as affliction of gastrointestinal diseases like Crohns disease and celiac disease also contribute to the risk of incurring complex canker sores.

Contrary to misconception, cold sores are different from canker sores. Otherwise known as fever blisters or herpes simplex type 1, cold sores are blisters that are filled with fluid. They are extremely painful, contagious and usually caused by a particular virus. Another important distinction is that cold sores appear outside the mouth; canker sores are always inside the mouth.

Our Services

Bernard L. Hoffman, III, DDS

General, Implant and Restorative Dentistry

My father was a dentist and I enjoyed the lifestyle that dentistry provided me as a child. I enjoy the fact that dentistry is such a challenge...

Ana Paula Hoffman, DDS, MSc, PhD

General, Children and Cosmetic Dentistry

I always liked the medical field, but I didn't want to be a physician. Dentistry was the right profession, where I could help patients, providing them...

Patient Reviews

I wished I had tried this dentist office sooner. Everyone there are very professional and knowledgeable. I was looking for a new dentist and I found Dr. Ana and I could not be more satisfied. My confidence in her was well placed. I would hope that every dentist was this good. I had a problem with my teeth for awhile. Two others dentists did not mention it to me but she was able to see what my problem was right away. It is now fixed and I couldn’t be more pleased with the work she did.

Dr. Ana is a fabulous dentist. Recently I had extensive dental work on my front teeth. Prior to the start of work she took an impression and made a temporary piece that looked natural. I am extremely happy with the final result. She is meticulous and caring, a great combination. The office staff is professional and courteous. I have been a patient at Pennington Family Dentistry for over 30 years.

Great staff! Been here a couple times already and they are efficient and they take the time to get to know you. Spent years in a large practice before this but never got that personal experience you want with a doctor or dentist. Would highly recommend this practice.

Professional friendly staff. Always feel comfortable and welcomed here. Dr. Bernie treat patients with attentive care and respect. Michele is so helpful and kind. Charissa is the best hygienist and her injections are the least painful ever.

I have been a patient of Pennington Family Dentistry for over 40 years and cannot say enough complimentary things about the professionalism of the entire staff. From the front desk to the hygienist to the doctors, each delivers superb and comfortable care. I highly recommend PFD to all those who seek dental care.

My wife and I have each visited PFD several times now, and we both have been consistently impressed with each of the staff, who have all been very friendly, knowledgeable and thorough.

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