All About Canker Sores
Dr. Forbes Morse has been practicing dentistry in Phoenix since October 2004. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1996. In 1997, Dr. Morse received his Masters in Public Health from the Medical College of Virginia/ VCU. He then went on... more
The terms "canker sores" and "cold sores" are often used interchangeably. While both are painful sores of the mouth, there's a difference. Canker sores are found on the inside of the mouth and are not contagious; however, cold sores can be found on both the inside and outside of the mouth and are contagious.
Canker Sore Producing Foods to Avoid
apples |
milk |
soy |
barley |
nuts |
tomatoes |
buckwheat |
oranges |
vinegar |
cheese |
pineapples |
whole wheat |
chocolate |
rye |
|
lemon |
shellfish |
Watch What You Eat
Studies show that what we eat may play a large role in determining whether we get canker sores. Consumption of the following foods can lead to canker sores; avoiding them may help to reduce the number of sores you get.
In particular, citric fruits and chocolate seem to be common triggers for canker sores. We've noted that many patients relate experiencing canker sores soon after consuming citric fruits or juices. It's a good idea to keep a log of what foods you consumed leading up to getting a canker sore; hopefully, it will help you identify contributing foods.
Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are preventive measures for reducing the frequency of outbreaks.
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Check Your Toothpaste
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient present in many brands of toothpaste may cause canker sores in some people. Check your toothpaste, you might want to switch over to an SLS free brand.
Stress Can Lead to Canker Sores
- Emotional stress
- Physical stress - such as biting your tongue, burning your mouth, or getting a cut from your braces
- Chemical stress - from an illness or change in eating habits (consuming acidic foods such as grapefruits or lemons).
Treatment
Canker sores usually resolve without treatment in 7 to 10 days, although some can be longer-lasting. Antimicrobial mouth rinses may lessen the irritation. Temporary relief can also be provided by over-the-counter topical anesthetics, though pain relief varies between products. Some medications provide a protective film that physically blocks contact with food and saliva, lessening their discomfort. Some of the more common treatments are detailed below.
Salt-Water Rinses
Though the effect is questionable, saltwater rinses have worked for some. Since it's virtually free, most find it worth a try. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Rinse for about approximately one minute and spit.
