Canker sores are small ulcers that appear inside our mouths. They begin as a small red dot that will form a white head and eventually rupture and leave an open sore. These are slightly different from the also common cold sore. Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus, appear outside of the mouth, and are highly contagious.
Studies have yet to prove just exactly why we get canker sores. Some scientists suggest they are inflammatory/stress response, the result of an injury, something that is hereditary, or caused by bacteria or viruses. Junk food, stress, acids, tobacco, dehydration or the onset of your period can make them worse. They also usually take 7-10 days to heal.
Though a direct cause hasn’t been determined a few possible treatments can be recommended.
Leave it alone! For some of us this is just impossible, it’s an irritant so we continue to irritate it. Don’t chew on it, touch it or rub it, use a soft bristled toothbrush and don’t eat foods with hard edges.
Try switching to toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate which can act as an irritant.
Others suggest zinc lozenges, and vitamin complexes with A, B and C and lysine.
Avoid acidic foods, coffee and soda while you have open sores.
Nonprescription medications can ease the pain, protect the sore from further injury, and may speed healing.
Try rinsing your mouth with an antacid, aloe vera juice, or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
Some say putting a thin paste of baking soda and water on the sore can also help ease the pain.
Ice can also block the pain.
See your doctor if the sores can be linked to a specific food or medication, if you seem to be getting more or they are not healed after two weeks.
If you seem to be more prone to getting canker sores try taking a zinc supplement and acidophilus daily. Including more yogurt in your diet may also help prevent future sores.
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