CANKER SORES

 

Small ulcers that occur in the lining of the mouth are known as Canker sores. These are often painful and sensitive. Canker sores are the most common causes of mouth sores. They are also known as Aphthous Stomatitis. They cause discomfort while eating and talking. They are not contagious and occur on the internal soft tissues of the mouth. They can occur at any age and may reoccur once healed

Burning and tingling sensation

Some of the symptoms of canker sores are as follows:- Painful sores on the movable parts inside the mouth e.g. tongue, A sore may be small, red and may measure less than 10 mm, There could be a burning or tingling sensation before the sore appears, Once the sores burst there may be a white or yellowish coating over it and a reddish color around it. Apart from the ones mentioned above, other symptoms of canker sores could be swollen lymph nodes, listlessness and fever

Deficiency of nutrients

The actual cause of canker sores is not known till date. Some of the reasons believed to cause canker sores are follows:- Immune system malfunction A minor injury caused by eating rough foods like chips and nuts or by biting the inner portion of the mouth, Menstrual period, Food allergies, Deficiency of nutrients like zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, Heredity, Trauma, Bacterial infections, Gastrointestinal tract related diseases, Hormonal disorders.

Remedies for Canker sores

Some of the effective home remedies for canker sores are as follows:- Rinse your mouth with aloe juice frequently
Put some alum on the canker sores. Repeat this twice a day. It helps to relieve the pain and quickens healing. Apply some baking powder on the sores. It could be used either in the powdered form or in the paste form. It will reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, Rinse your mouth several times a day by a mouthwash prepared by mixing one tsp. of baking soda in half cup of warm water, Prepare a mouthwash by putting 5 to 6 drops of Grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water. Rinse your mouth with this at least once in a day. It is an excellent disinfectant, Prepare a mouthwash using three parts of water and one part of hydrogen peroxide. Use this mouthwash twice a day, Onion is another excellent home remedy for canker sores. Apply some raw onions to the sores, Rinse your mouth with plum juice. If the sore is too bad then apply the juice on the sore using a cotton ball, Eat fresh papaya fruit or chew fresh papaya leaves. If fresh papaya leaves or papaya fruits are not available then you can also use papaya tablets, Gargle your mouth with a solution made by mixing 1 tsp soda and 1 pinch of salt in a cup of warm water, Apply tea tree oil to the sores, Rinse your mouth three to four times a day with a solution made by mixing 2 tbsp. salt to 6 ounces of warm water, Apply some powdered Goldenseal powder to the sore or rinse your mouth with a mouthwash prepared by mixing ½ tsp Goldenseal powder to ¼ tsp salt and 1 cup of warm water.

Diet for Canker sores

Eat foods rich in vitamin B. Foods like whole grain and green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamin B. Eat easily digestible foods, well cooked soft grains and light cooked vegetables. Eat yogurt daily. Active acidophilus in yogurt helps to heal and prevent the outbreak of canker sores. Avoid foods like coffee, citrus fruits and spices, as they may irritate your mouth. Spicy and acidic foods increase the pain; it is advisable to avoid them. Avoid hard foods like chips, wafers and nuts. Avoid diary products, salty foods, sweet foods, oily foods, and animal protein.

Suggestions for Canker sores

Do not eat and chew simultaneously. Brush your teeth regularly after meals. Application of ice eases the pain caused by Canker sores.