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What Causes Canker Sores?

Michael Wahl • May 5, 2020

Canker sores are a common but painful irritation. Usually the day before a canker sore fully develops you can begin to feel it forming. But why do canker sores form? And is there any way to prevent them? Let’t dive into it!

What is a Canker Sore?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful but shallow lesions inside your mouth. They are commonly white or yellow-tinged and have a crater-like shape. The outside rim is red and inflamed. Canker sores are incredibly sensitive to acidic foods. Most canker sores are minor and shallow and will heal on their own in 7-14 days. Some may be deeper and take up to 6 weeks to completely heal. If you’re concerned about the size or duration of your canker sore, call your dentist for advice. They can form on your gums or lips, or under your tongue. The pain can make eating difficult and painful.

Causes of Canker Sores

Contrary to popular belief, canker sores are not a result of herpes virus. (Although a similar issue: cold sores is linked.) Many different factors can combine to increase the chance of a canker sore forming. Here are some known triggers that are likely to cause a canker sore:

  • a minor injury to your soft tissues (dental, sports, cheek bite, etc)
  • hormonal fluctuations
  • stress
  • allergic response to bacteria in your mouth
  • dietary deficiencies of folid acid, Vitamin B12, or iron
  • oral care products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate
  • some food sensitivities

Additionally, sometimes canker sores are the result of an underlying condition or disease such as:

  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • HIV/AIDS

It’s more common for young adults, teens, and women to have canker sores. Additionally, a propensity for developing canker sores often runs in families. Studies have not made clear whether genetics or environment is more likely the cause for this correlation.

Prevention Tips

The best way to reduce the risk of developing these painful sores is to avoid common triggers.

  • Manage your stress: find healthy stress management strategies to keep your anxiety levels at a healthy level.
  • Avoid nutritional deficiencies: It’s best to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure your body gets proper nutrition. If you think your diet doesn’t provide enough vitamins and minerals discuss the benefits and negatives of supplementing with over-the-counter vitamin pills.
  • Avoid Mouth Injuries:
    • Wear proper mouth-guards when playing sports.
    • Chew your food intentionally and slowly.
    • Brush your gums gently with a soft-bristled brush.
    • Avoid toothpastes and mouth washes with irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Learn Your Triggers: Try to pay attention to any common factors that cause canker sores. Especially observe if there are any particular foods that irritate your mouth or cause itching.

Treatments

Unfortunately, the best cure for a canker sore is just time. If the pain is unbearable, you can rinse with lukewarm water with salt or baking soda t o rinse the wound. Drink plenty of water to help remove irritants and heal the wound faster. Some studies have found adhesive tablets with time-released medication to be an effective cure. Additionally, you can apply an oral anesthetic such as Orajel, Orabase, or Vanos to help numb the area.

 

Although painful, canker sores are common and should not concern you. Still have questions about your canker sore? Give our office a call at 719-633-8766! We’d love to help!

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • September 1, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • August 25, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • August 18, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • August 11, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • July 28, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • July 21, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • July 14, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • July 7, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • July 1, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • June 23, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
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