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 by Dr. Rita Louise
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that typically occur in the lining of the mouth, but may also appear on the lips, gums, inner cheeks and tongue. These ulcers are typically covered with a gray film and are surrounded by what is referred to as an intense red "halo".
Most people experience their first canker sore between the ages of 10 and 20. The degree and severity of an attack can vary greatly from individual to individual, with some only experiencing one attack, to occasional outbreaks (1-2per year), to continuous outbreaks, with one episode overlapping the next. During an attack, many experience 2-3 ulcers, however 10-15 ulcers are not uncommon.
Canker sores are sometimes confused with fever blisters or cold sores, but are marked by several important differences. Canker sores only occur inside the mouth. They are not contagious and are not caused by a virus. Small blisters called vesicles, on the other hand, precede cold sores or fever blisters. They typically occur on the outside of the mouth. Cold sores or fever blisters ARE contagious and are caused by a virus.
While the majority of canker sore cases are not associated with an underlying disorder, canker sores can be an indicator of more systemic disorders such as Behcet's disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gluten hypersensitivity and HIV infection.
Research suggests that canker sores may be the body's own immune system attacking the cells within the mouth. Another thought is that they appear as a reaction to ingredients found in toothpaste. Others believe that triggers, such as food allergies, mouth trauma, lip biting and stress play a strategic role.
If you are tired of the pain and irritation often caused by canker sores, here are some simple, natural and effective alternative health remedies you can try.
Recommendation for Wellness
- Start a canker sore journal. Using a simple notebook, keep track of the foods you eat, stressful events that are happening around you and even the toothpaste you are using. Over time, look to see if there is a correlation between what you are doing and your outbreaks of canker sores.
- Spend some time trying to identify foods that may trigger an attack.
- Try incorporating meditation, exercise or deep breathing to help reduce stress.
- Switch your toothpaste to one that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This has been shown to trigger attacks in many individuals.
- Incorporate additional L-Lysine in your diet. A deficiency of this amino acid may cause an outbreak.
- B-vitamins are key to immune function and healing and have been linked to canker sores. When taking B-vitamins, ensure that you are taking a full/balance spectrum of them.
- Zinc supplementation enhances the immune function and aids healing.
- Garlic, Oregon grape or goldenseal are natural antibiotics and immunostimulants.
- Tea tree oil can be gently applied to the sore twice daily to help speed healing.
- A few drops of black walnut extract in a glass of water can also be used as an effective mouthwash.
This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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