Nearly everyone has experienced the discomfort of canker sores at some point in their life and understand how these little sores can be a source of great pain. While doctors and dentists remain puzzled over the exact cause of canker sores it is commonly believed they are brought about by a vitamin deficiency, stress or allergies.



Despite their miniature size, they can produce a lot of pain. Here are a few facts on canker sores:

1) They commonly appear on the inside of the mouth including on the cheeks, the inside of the lips and under the tongue.

2) While typically small red sores, they may appear with a white coating over the entire sore.

3) Some medical professionals believe the susceptibility of canker sores may be inherited, but research indicates they are not contagious.

4) They cannot be passed along by drinking from the same glass or by kissing.

There are three distinct types of canker sores including minor sores that generally last three to 14 days and deep ulcer canker sores that can last from three to six weeks. Both types will usually heal on their own once they have run their course. Possibly the worst type is the herpetiform sores which appear as small cuts close together. They are not a sign of, nor a prelude to herpes. With this type of canker sore a visit to the doctor or dentist may be needed for confirmation and treatment.

About the only thing a person can do to deal with the sores while they heal is practice good dental hygiene, including using a toothpaste containing only natural ingredients. Many types of toothpaste include irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate that can irritate existing cankers as well as damage the lining of the mouth, increasing the possibility of them appearing.

Supplements of vitamin C and the B complex have also been shown to help in the healing process and if caused by vitamin deficiency may help prevent canker sores from forming. For severe pain, topical treatments, usually used on infants during teething can offer short-term relief from the pain. With more severe outbreaks, a doctor may also prescribe medications to help heal and prevent the spread of the sores. Be sure to follow the directions as some of these medications are formulated to be swallowed and others should be spit out once rinsing is complete.

When the mouth is afflicted with canker sores, it is advised to avoid certain foods that can irritate the lesions. Crunchy foods such as raw vegetables and chips can further aggravate the ulcer-like formations and spicy foods can also cause unnecessary irritation during periods of canker sore outbreaks. If a person chews gum frequently, it is only a matter of time that they will inadvertently bite the inside of their cheek and if it happens to hit a canker sore, the pain will be dramatic.

The best course of action for canker sores is taking steps to prevent them from forming. Using all natural dental products such as ones containing baking soda with good dental hygiene can help keep the mouth clean and avoiding certain foods. While there is no guarantee that sores will not reappear, practicing prevention may reduce the chances of the canker sores from appearing.