What Causes Canker Sores

Canker sores, which are commonly called mouth ulcers, are medically referred to as aphthous ulcerations. These are small lesions that develop on the lining of the soft tissue of the mouth. Most of us have suffered from this problem at some time or the other in our lives. These are white/yellow lesions with a red border. These could appear on the tongue, lips, gums or inside of the cheeks. These might occur singly or in clusters. Unlike the cold sores, aphthous ulcers are not contagious. One may, however, experience a lot of discomfort during an outbreak. Here's some information on what causes canker sores and how these can be treated.

What Causes Aphthous Ulcers?

An injury to the oral tissue is one of the most common causes of canker sores. A self-inflicted bite while eating could give rise to mouth sores. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or irritation to the oral tissues due to a sharp tooth edge could also damage the soft tissue inside the mouth. Consumption of spicy or acidic food is also a common contributory factor. Research has revealed that toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate can also irritate the oral tissues and lead to the formation of mouth ulcers.

The problem of recurrent mouth sores could also stem from nutritional deficiencies. If your diet is unable to provide you with adequate amounts of vitamin B12, folic acid or iron, you might be more vulnerable to developing recurrent mouth sores. Digestive problems, hormonal imbalances and stress can also make one susceptible. At times, people may be genetically predisposed to developing this condition. Sometimes mouth ulcers might be a symptom of other medical conditions. Behcet's disease, neutrophil dysfunction diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, hormonal imbalances or viral and bacterial infections could also be responsible for causing mouth sores. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blockers and chemotherapeutic agents could also lead to an outbreak.

How to Treat Aphthous Ulcers

Though the symptoms of mouth sores generally disappear within 7-10 days, you might need topical medicines to get relief from the burning sensation and inflammation. Since mouth ulcers can be very painful, certain painkillers might be prescribed too. Doctors generally recommend the use of medicated toothpastes and anti-microbial mouth rinses for the treatment. Since mouth ulcers could be caused due to other medical conditions, therefore, people suffering from frequent outbreaks must get themselves medically examined for getting a proper diagnosis. Since nutritional deficiency could be responsible for frequent outbreaks, use of certain nutritional supplements might be recommended.

Mouth ulcers could also be caused by food allergies, so make sure that you avoid foods that act as triggers. Those who eat very spicy or acidic foods must change their dietary habits. You must make sure that your toothpaste doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is important too. You can also try certain home remedies for treating this condition. Application of honey, aloe vera, milk of magnesia, benadryl or diluted hydrogen peroxide solution may also help. If the outbreaks persist even after taking all preventive steps, consult a doctor for an effective cure. Antibiotics or steroids might be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. If mouth ulcers are caused due to other medical conditions, treating the underlying cause will help.

Now that you have a basic idea about the causes of canker sores, make sure that you take precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak. If mouth ulcers appear every now and then, it would be best to improve your dietary habits. You can also follow certain tried-and-tested home remedies. If home remedies don't seem to be providing any relief, it would be best to consult a doctor.