Canker sores are small ulcers that appear in the mouth or on the inner lips and are caused by a number of factors. Canker sores are not contagious and are generally the result of inflammation rather than infection. They appear suddenly and the first signs of an outbreak may be a tingling or burning sensation inside the mouth, followed by the appearance of a white spot edged by a red circle. Canker sores range in size from small (such as the blunt end of a pin) to large (such as a quarter) and all points in between. They generally last about a week or so and leave as quickly as they appear. Canker sores do not form blisters whereas cold or fever blisters do and they are unrelated to the herpes simplex virus type 1. If you have ever suffered with canker sores or know someone who is a fellow sufferer, the following information may help in dealing with this painful condition.

Canker sores are thought to be triggered by any number of factors:

• Canker sores tend to run in families;

• They are more commonly seen in women and may be the result of hormonal imbalances;

• Canker sore outbreaks may be the result of toothpaste that contains the detergent known as sodium lauryl sulfate. SLS makes the mucous membranes in the mouth dry and vulnerable to attack from various foods, drinks and other irritants. Try using toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate as well as a soft toothbrush. Change your toothbrush at least once per month and try not to brush your teeth too hard;

• Some foods may trigger the allergic mechanism that results in the production of canker sores (milk and gluten are common culprits);

• Mouth trauma like biting the cheeks as a nervous habit or as the result of an uneven bite while eating, damages the delicate mouth tissues and can result in lacerations and canker sores. Some foods such as crackers, chips, popcorn, etc. have sharp edges and can cause lacerations in the mouth;

• Nutritional deficiencies may lead to a susceptibility to canker sores. The main deficiencies implicated in the production of canker sores include thiamine, iron, lysine, vitamin B12 and folic acid;

• Recurrent stress and chronic fatigue can cause a breakdown of the immune system triggering the growth of canker sores;

• Sometimes a viral infection can lead to secondary canker sore eruptions;

• Finally, some underlying immunologic diseases as well as Crohn’s disease can trigger the outbreak of canker sores.

Therefore, if canker sores are a concern for you or someone you know, try making the following changes in your lifestyle. They may help to alleviate the pain and suffering experienced during outbreaks:

• If you have a familial susceptibility to canker sores, be prepared to deal with outbreaks by staying attuned to your body and recognizing the first signs of possible canker sore formation;
• Have your hormonal levels checked by your physician;

• Avoid toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate as well as bleaching agents that can irritate mucous membranes;

• Use a soft toothbrush and replace your toothbrush at least once per month;

• Experiment with foods to see if they produce allergic reactions that trigger canker sore production;
• Try not to bite the inside of your mouth or tongue while eating or as a nervous habit. The resulting mouth trauma can lead to canker sores;
• Eat a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and watch out for iron deficiency anemia. Women in their child-bearing years, seniors and people who suffer from chronic diseases are the most susceptible to iron deficiencies;

• Make sleep a priority in your life;

• Learn to deal positively with life stressors by engaging in daily exercise and progressive relaxation;

• Keep your immune system strong and healthy by adopting a lifestyle that includes plenty of fresh air, moderate exercise, adequate sleep, as well as the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. If you get the occasional flu bug, you may experience secondary canker sores, but a strong immune system will lessen the duration and pain experienced with outbreaks;

• If you have an immunologic disease, you should still be able to adopt the following suggestions into your life. Check with your physician for approval before making dietary and exercise changes.

Better Life Experts | August 11, 2010