Persistent, recurrent aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, can be so annoying. They can interfere with your ability to eat and speak. Although anyone can get canker sores, they tend to be more prevalent in people between the ages of 10 to 20 and among women. The ulcers are generally painful and seem to pop up out of nowhere at any time. Canker sores can develop virtually anywhere in the mouth, including on the tongue, lips, gums, palate, and inside of the cheeks. In most cases, these minor oral health issues typically last for a few days or a week. If you experience persistent or severe ulcers, it is important to consult a dentist for your dental needs. It’s also worth noting that canker sores are not caused by the herpes virus.
However, when you look at canker sores, they usually appear white, gray, or yellow in color, with a red border. A fully developed canker sores measure from 3 to 10 millimeters (mm). Major sores are the more severe type of canker sores, they appear larger and deeper than minor sores with irregular border and a diameter greater than 10 millimeters. Major canker sores usually cause lots of pain and discomforts, and may take up to three weeks or a month to heal. Although, the exact cause of canker sores remains unclear, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to cankers sores, or make them worse.
Sometimes, canker sores can be so persistent and reoccur very often. According to studies, scientists have revealed some reasons why you keep getting canker sores all the time. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), recurring canker sores affect about 20% of the population.
Reasons why you keep getting canker sores?
1. What you eat
Scientists reported that the reason why you keep getting canker sores may be due to your diet and the lack of essential nutrients needed for oral tissue health. Certain foods can make you more prone to canker sores. Not consuming enough nutrients like iron, L-lysine, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc can lead to recurring canker sores. It is important to address your dental needs by ensuring you eat foods rich in these essential nutrients or consult with dentists for remedies.
When the essential vitamin nutrients are missing in your body, any sort of simple cut or break in the skin of your mouth — from brushing your teeth too hard or accidentally biting your cheek can cause frequent canker sores. Sometimes, frequent canker sores can be a sign of the aforementioned B12 deficiency or an autoimmune disorder, such as Crohn’s disease or lupus. These canker sores can be treated with remedies available at the dentist office.
In addition, some people experience extreme sensitivity and allergic reactions to some foods. Taking such foods frequently could cause canker sores to flare up.
2. You’re a woman
Women are twice more likely to get canker sores than men. Hormonal changes in women contribute greatly to their likelihood of getting canker sores. During pregnancy and menstruation, women experience an increased hormonal levels. During this period of increased hormonal levels, women’s oral tissues appear to be more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding, and canker sores.
3. Your genes
Studies suggest that a family history of canker sores may make you more prone to getting them yourself, which can impact your teeth and dental work. If you keep getting canker sores all the time, then it might be due to your genetic makeup and it’s important to seek care from a dentist.
4. Stress
Emotional stress also contribute to recurring canker sores. A controlled study was conducted on some college students. At the end of the study, it was showed that the students had more canker sores during stressful periods, such as around exam time. Managing your stress and trying to be calm is very important. So, try as much as possible to take care of yourself, particularly after a tough day, to help avoid recurring canker sores. (1)
5. Health problems
Some conditions and diseases can show up in the mouth causing persistent canker sores. These type of canker sores, will keep coming back until the underlying health problem is treated. According to Mayoclinic, you are more likely to have canker sores more often if you have any of these conditions and diseases:
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Celiac disease is a serious intestinal disorder caused by a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in most grains. People with celiac disease may experience painful sores as well as recurrent canker sores. Proper care is essential to manage these symptoms, including cold sores.
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Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause recurrent canker sores and complex canker sores. It is important to take care of cold sores to manage these conditions effectively.
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Behcet’s disease, a rare disorder that causes inflammation throughout the body, including the mouth, can lead to complex canker sores. If you have this condition, it’s important to seek care from a dentist who specializes in treating oral issues. Visit our office for expert care.
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A faulty immune system can cause canker sores in your mouth. Instead of attacking pathogens like viruses and bacteria, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Visit your dentist’s office to get proper treatment from their staff.
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HIV/AIDS, which suppresses the immune system, making the oral tissues highly susceptible to oral problems, including canker sores. This is why it is important to visit a dentist regularly at Dr. Theurer’s office. Our staff is trained to address oral issues related to HIV/AIDS.
How to stop recurring canker sores
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Eat healthy foods. Eat lots of healthy, balanced foods daily, including fruits and whole grains to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. Try to avoid any foods or drinks which you’re sensitive or allergic to. Avoid nuts, chips, pretzels, certain spices, salty foods and acidic fruits, such as pineapple, grapefruit and oranges, since they tend to irritate the oral tissues.
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Protect your mouth from injuries. Ensure to wear proper protection mouthguard during contact sports. If you have braces or other dental appliances, ask your dentist about orthodontic waxes to cover sharp edges.
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Reduce your stress. You should try as much as possible to reduce stress especially after a tough day, to help avoid recurring mouth sores. If your canker sores seem to be related to stress, learn and use stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation and guided imagery.
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Practice good oral habits. Always use soft brush to help prevent irritation to delicate mouth tissues, and avoid toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Although, you can’t fix your genetic makeup but regular brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day can keep your mouth clean and free of foods that might trigger a sore. (2)
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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