How to Cure Canker Sores

A reference article on How to Cure Canker Sores

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers or mouth ulcers, are small, painful sores that develop in your mouth. They can occur inside your lips or cheeks, on your gums, tongue, or on the roof or floor of your mouth. Although they can be larger, they are typically about one-quarter inch in size and initially appear as small, red bumps. In time, however, they rupture and become painful, whitish sores with a red border, or ìhaloî, around the outside. This article provides an in-depth look on how to cure canker sores in the mouth.

Canker sores affect approximately 20% of Americans, and tend to affect more women than men. Canker sores are also common among teenagers and people in their twenties. They are often confused with cold sores or fever blisters, but canker sores have a few distinct differences. They are not viral infections, as is the case with cold sores, and they are not contagious. Additionally, cold sores tend to be outside the mouth, whereas canker sores appear on the oral tissue itself, inside the mouth.

Scientists are not certain as to the exact cause of canker sores. They have discovered correlations, however, between canker sores and the presence of stress, hormone imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. Certain gastrointestinal problems may also cause you to be more prone to canker sores, as will certain food allergies.

Canker sores tend to heal by themselves, without the aid of medical treatment. Topical anesthetics can be helpful in relieving pain, and the use of corticosteroid ointments have been shown to speed the healing process. Treatments such as anti-inflammatory steroid mouthwashes and analgesics are frequently recommended. It is also helpful to avoid food and fluids that are salty or highly acidic, such as potato chips and juices.

A chemical found in most commercial toothpastes called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has also been clinically linked to canker sore breakouts. Using toothpaste free of SLS, such as TheraBreathÆ brand toothpastes, can be extremely helpful in preventing canker sores.

Certain homeopathic treatments have been found to be effective as well, with regard to both the healing process as well as preventing the recurrence of canker sores. Research has shown that products such as tea tree oil and lysine, as well as herbs like calendula, licorice, myrrh and goldenseal contain healing nutrients, and thus may be helpful in speeding healing. Applying a wet tea bag containing these herbs as a compress directly to the sore may offer relief, and provide the added benefit of tannic acid from the tea bag, which can help to dry up the sore. You may also find that dandelion tea or capsules may be helpful in preventing outbreaks of canker sores, as may stress-relieving techniques such as meditation or acupressure.

Since there is no cure for canker sores, treatment is intended to relieve your symptoms and/or shorten the duration of the canker sore. If you find that your canker sore has not healed within one to two weeks, you should visit your doctor.