Canker Sores -- Address the Cause!

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Canker sores can be triggered by any of a number of factors,

including:

 

1. Poor dental hygiene: If you get recurrent canker sores, your

toothpaste may be the culprit. Try a toothpaste that does not contain

the detergent sodium lauryl sulfate (a known carcinogen). This is a

detergent that may cause the mucous surfaces in the mouth to dry out,

leaving them vulnerable to attack from acidic foods. Do not use the

same toothbrush for longer than one month. When canker sores on the

gum are healing, it is best to use a very soft toothbrush.

 

2. Irritation from dental work: Using a rough, hard-bristled

toothbrush, or pressing unduly hard while brushing the teeth. This

can irritate the mucous membranes and create a canker sore.

 

3. Food allergies (especially milk and gluten sensitivity): It has

been clearly demonstrated that allergic mechanisms are responsible

for producing canker sores in many cases. There is considerable

evidence that sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in grains) is

the primary cause of recurrent canker sores in many cases.

Withdrawing gluten from the diet often results in complete remission

of recurrent canker sores.

 

4. Non-food allergens: Allergens that commonly induce canker sores

include preservatives such as benzoic acid, methylparaben,

dichromate, and sorbic acid. Elimination of allergens usually brings

complete resolution or significant improvement in people with

recurrent canker sores.

 

5. Nutritional deficiencies: Although a number of nutrient

deficiencies can lead to canker sores, thiamine deficiency appears to

be the most significant. Deficiencies of iron, lysine, vitamin B12,

and folic acid also can lead to canker sores. Several studies showed

that nutrient deficiencies are common among recurrent canker sore

sufferers than in the general population. A study of 330 patients

with recurrent canker sores showed that forty-seven (14.2 percent)

were deficient in iron, folate, vitamin B12, or a combination of

these nutrients. When these patients' deficiencies were corrected,

the majority had complete remission. Other studies have shown similar

deficiency rates for the same nutrients and equally good response to

supplementation.

 

6. Biting the cheek: Some people bite the delicate tissues in their

cheeks or lips during sleep, or while chewing or talking. This is

true especially for people who are suffering from TMJ or whose bite

is uneven. This can result in lacerations and canker sores.

 

7. From ayurvedic point of view, people with high pitta in their

saliva will have sharp teeth because the crown of the tooth becomes

eroded. This can lead to repeated sores.

 

8. Foods: When you eat sharp, dried, or hard foods, such as popcorn,

corn chips, crackers, or dried bread, it can hurt the oral mucous

membrane resulting in canker sores.

 

9. Hormonal imbalances

 

10. Viral infection

 

11. An underlying immunologic disease

 

12. Trauma (such as that caused by biting the inside of the cheek or

using a hard- bristled toothbrush)

 

13. Stress: Stress is often a precipitating factor in recurrent

canker sores, suggesting a breakdown in normal immune function and/or

integrity of the mucosal lining

 

14. Fatigue

 

15. Abnormal immune response to normal bacteria in the mouth

 

Traditional Medicine Perspective

 

Sores arise as a discharge of waste that is not being cleansed by the

liver and kidneys. Canker sores, therefore, indicate depressed liver

and kidney function. Treatment and prevention involves strengthening

both of these organs so that blood can be more efficiently cleansed

and detoxified.