Canker sores are a type of mouth ulcer which is also called as aphthous ulcer. These canker sores are caused inside the mouth or on the roof of mouth. They even occur on the inner sides of the lips. They are caused because of the bacteria. This article on how to prevent canker sores will help you in curing and preventing canker sores.
Some people may confuse canker sores with cold sores because both lead to painful blisters, but both are different. Cold sores are caused because of the viruses and they usually occur on the outside of the mouth and lips whereas canker sores occur inside the mouth.
These canker sores are classified according to the diameter of their lesion into three types such as minor ulceration, major ulcerations and herpetiform ulcerations. These canker sores usually begin with the burning or tingling sensation that is usually developed into the ulcer. This ulcer is formed in the form of red spot or bump followed by an open ulcer. This gradually develops in the form of a white or yellow oval with an inflamed red borer.
Causes of canker sores:
- Canker sores can occur due to excessive consumption of citrus foods such as oranges, lemon and amla.
- Deficiency of vitamin B12 can also be a cause of canker sores. Insufficient supply of iron and folic acid to the body can also lead to canker sores.
- Physical trauma caused in the mouth due to the toothbrush abrasions, biting the inside of the cheek with teeth and laceration with sharp or abrasive foods can also lead to canker sores.
- Food allergies, sickness, weight loss and improper immune system are also some of the common triggers for canker sores.
- Prolonged intake of medicines and chemotherapy can also be a cause of canker sores.
How to prevent canker sores:
- Oral hygiene is the most important factor in preventing canker sores. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing it very essential to prevent canker sores.
- Avoid mouth trauma due to toothbrush by brushing your teeth carefully. Do not use hard bristled tooth brush to brush your teeth. Avoid biting the inside of your cheek.
- Avoid foods that trigger canker sores. Avoid intake of foods that contain citrus in excessive amount. Sugar foods and cereal grains should also be avoided.
- Do not use tooth paste that contains sodium laurel sulfate (SLS or SDS). Sodium laurel sulfate is found to trigger the formation of canker sores. This sodium laurel sulfate is a form of detergent that is found in many toothpastes. If you are using such toothpaste then immediately switch to other toothpaste that does not contain SLS.
- Use mouth washes that are free from alcohol. These mouth washes are found to prevent the occurrence of canker sores inside your mouth. Mouth washes also help you in relieving the pain temporarily.
- One of the most common reasons for canker sores is found to be deficiency of zinc is the body. Include a diet that is rich in zinc. Foods such as whole grains, pecan, cashew and green vegetables contain abundant amount of zinc. Oysters are also found to be a rich source of zinc. If you have canker sores then taking zinc supplements in the form of medicines will also help you in reducing canker sores.
- Include foods that will meet the requirement of vitamin B12 by your body. Some of the rich sources of vitamin B12 include eggs, fortified food products such as breakfast cereals, soy products and nutritional yeast. Including these in your diet will help in meeting the necessary amount of vitamin B12 requirement by your body. Along with vitamin B12, vitamin B6, B2 and B1 are also essential for preventing canker sores.
- Stress and improper immune system can also be a reason for canker sores. Try to reduce the stress. Good sleep and healthy diet is very essential to reduce stress. Immune system can be boosted up by following a proper and healthy diet. Regular exercise will also help you in boosting your immune system.
- Honey is also very efficient in preventing canker sores. Eating a tablespoon of honey regularly will help in preventing canker sores. You can mix a tablespoon of honey with milk and drink it daily in the morning. This will also help in preventing canker sores.
- Avoid intake of medicines for a long period. This triggers canker sores. Try to opt for some alternatives such as naturally occurring herbs to cure diseases.
- Eating tobacco, chewing gums and lozenges will also cause canker sores. If you are eating a lot of such products then avoid eating them.
The preventive measures for canker sores given above are very effective ways of preventing and healing canker sores.
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