Avoiding Canker Sores: Tips and Strategies

What is a Canker sore?

Canker sores may be minor, but they often cause days of bothersome discomfort. These are shallow ulcers that can form on the inner surfaces of our cheeks or lips, making eating or even speaking challenging. Several common factors can trigger canker sores.

Main Triggers of Canker Sores

The common culprits for causing canker sores are typically one of the following:

• Extended durations of intense stress can heavily burden the immune system, making the mouth more susceptible to the development of canker sores.

• An injury to the tissue from biting your lip or cheek. Once the area swells after the initial bite, it becomes more prone to being bitten again!

• Illness puts pressure on the immune system as well, making us more prone to developing canker sores in addition to the infection we're already combating.

• Foods with high acidity, like lemons, strawberries, tomatoes, and pineapple, can be harsh on mouth tissues. Spicy foods can also have this effect!

• Braces wires that poke or dentures that don't fit properly can irritate the cheeks and cause canker sores.

Easy Remedies for Canker Sores

Identifying the primary trigger is very beneficial if you frequently experience canker sores, as it will simplify prevention and treatment. Reducing acidic food intake, using dental wax to shield against irritating brackets and wires, and managing stress to support our immune systems can all be effective. If these strategies do not address the cause of your canker sores (or if you've tried them without success), consider these tips:

• Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth, which can accelerate healing and decrease inflammation.

• Look for a toothpaste that is free of sodium laurel sulfate but still includes fluoride.

• Apply topical medication or take painkillers to alleviate discomfort.

• Reduce irritation by using a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Preventing Canker Sores

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and when it comes to canker sores, it's preferable to prevent them from developing rather than dealing with them after they appear. This involves consuming plenty of B12, iron, and folate, which can be achieved by adding carrots, salmon, parsley, spinach, kale, and yogurt to our diets.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is also essential. Just as illness makes us more susceptible to canker sores, failing to control plaque in our mouths can hinder our bodies' natural defenses from effectively preventing oral health issues, including canker sores.

Come to Us With Your Questions About Canker Sores

We trust we've covered your major concerns about canker sores, but we're more than willing to answer any additional questions you might have. Our goal is to provide our patients with all the necessary information for optimal oral health. Visit us at Lux Dental in Vancouver!