CANKER SORES

This subject comes up a lot in my practice.  The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear, though researchers suspect that a combination of several factors contributes to outbreaks, even in the same person. Possible triggers for canker sores include:

• A minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps, spicy or acidic foods, or an accidental cheek bite.
• Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Food sensitivities, particularly to chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese and highly acidic foods such as pineapple.
• A diet lacking in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron.
• An allergic response to certain bacteria in your mouth.
• Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause peptic ulcers.
• Hormonal shifts during menstruation.
• Emotional stress.

Treatment usually isn't necessary for minor canker sores, which tend to clear on their own in a week or two.  But large, persistent or unusually painful sores often need medical care.  This condition rarely occurs, but if it does, see your physician or dentist.  A number of treatment options exist, ranging from mouth rinses and topical ointments to systemic corticosteroids for the most severe cases.