Canker Sores: Causes, Prevention, and Treatments You Need to Know

Discover the root causes of canker sores and effective prevention strategies. Learn proven treatments to alleviate pain and speed healing. Find out now!

Canker sores, also called aphthous stomatitis, are small, painful sores that form inside the mouth. These mouth ulcers can make eating, drinking, and even talking a challenge.

Over the years, I have handled recurrent mouth lesions, and I’ve learned a lot approximately what causes them, the way to prevent them, and the fine treatments that apply.

In this blog submission, I will proportion my private experience, explain the maximum commonplace causes of soreness within the cheek, and provide tips for prevention and pain relief. Let’s dive in!

What Are Canker Sores?

They are shallow, round ulcers that usually appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or on the tongue. They are not contagious, unlike cold sores, which form on the outside of the lips and are caused by a virus. This is an important distinction because cold sores spread easily, but Inner lip sores do not.

I have seen many people confuse the two. It’s important to know that soreness inside the cheek is different and often related to factors like stress, mouth injuries, or diet. They usually heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks, but the pain can be intense.

Common Symptoms:

• – Tiny, circular or oval-shaped sores located within the mouth
• – White or yellow core surrounded by a red outline
• Pain when eating, drinking, or talking

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause of it isn’t always clear, but several factors seem to trigger them. I’ve personally noticed a few common causes in my experience:

1. Stress

Stress plays a huge role in the appearance of inner lip sores. I have noticed that whenever I am under a lot of pressure at work or going through a stressful time; I tend to get sore. Stress and sore inside the cheek are closely connected because stress weakens the immune system, making it easier for sores to develop.

2. Mouth Injuries

Small injuries in the mouth, like accidentally biting your cheek or brushing too hard, can cause mouth lesions. I once brushed my teeth aggressively and ended up with a sore inside my cheek the next day. It’s important to be gentle with your oral care to avoid triggering these sores.

3. Acidic Foods

Eating acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, or even certain spicy dishes can cause an irritation that leads to mouth blisters love oranges, but I’ve noticed they sometimes trigger a sore if I eat too many. If you’re prone to mouth ulcers, it’s an idea to limit acidic and spicy foods.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies

Not getting enough essential vitamins, particularly B12 and zinc, can increase your chances of developing canker sores. A B12 deficiency is common in people who suffer from recurrent sores. I’ve started taking zinc supplements and ensuring I get enough B12, and it has helped reduce the frequency of my sores.

5. Hormonal Changes

For women, hormonal changes during menstruation can also trigger canker sores. I’ve seen this happen to several friends who notice sores more often during certain times of the month.

How to Prevent Canker Sores

While you can’t always prevent mouth ulcers, I have found several ways to reduce how often they appear:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your mouth is crucial. I like to use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid injuring my gums and the inside of my mouth. Also, using a non-irritating toothpaste can make a difference. Some toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can irritate your mouth and lead to mouth ulcers. Switching to an SLS-free toothpaste helped me a lot.

2. Avoid Acidic and Spicy Foods

As I mentioned earlier, acidic foods can trigger sores, so it’s important to avoid them if you’re prone to mouth ulcers. If I’m dealing with a sore, I skip anything spicy or acidic until it heals. It’s better to stick to bland, soft foods during that time.

3. Manage Stress

Stress management is key to preventing Oral sores. I have found that practicing yoga, meditation, or simply taking time to relax has helped me reduce the number of scores I get. Stress affects your immune response, so keeping it in check is important for your overall oral health.

4. Take Zinc and B12 Supplements

If you’re not getting enough vitamins in your diet, supplements can help. I started taking zinc supplements and making sure my diet includes enough B12, which has greatly reduced my chronic oral sores. Zinc-rich foods like nuts and seeds can also be helpful.

Best Treatments

I have tested many treatments over the years, and here are some that worked for me:

1. Over-the-Counter Treatments

There are many over-the-counter treatments available that can help ease the pain and speed up healing. Numbing gels with benzocaine are great for providing quick pain relief for mouth ulcers. You can also use protective patches that cover the sore and allow you to eat without irritation.

2. Corticosteroid Ointments

For larger or more painful sores, I’ve used corticosteroid ointments that reduce inflammation. These are stronger treatments and can be prescribed by a dentist if the sore isn’t healing on its own.

3. Mouthwash for Oral sores

Using mouthwash for canker sores can help with healing. I prefer to use alcohol-free mouthwash because alcohol can dry out the mouth and irritate sores. There are also mouthwashes with antiseptic ingredients that help reduce bacteria and speed up healing.

4. Home Remedies

Some of the best remedies are natural. I often use a saltwater rinse when I have a canker sore. It’s simple—just mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth. It stings at first, but it helps the sore heel faster.

Another remedy I like is baking soda rinse. Baking soda helps neutralize acid in the mouth and reduces inflammation. I also apply aloe vera gel directly to the sore—it’s soothing and helps with healing.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide for Ulcers

I’ve tried using hydrogen peroxide to clean Oral sores and it can help reduce bacteria. Just be careful not to use too much, as it can be harsh on the mouth.

When to see a doctor

Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, but there are times when you should see a doctor or dentist:

• If the sore is unusually large or excruciating,
• If it lasts longer than two weeks,
• If you get sores frequently
• If you develop a fever or feel unwell,

In these cases, a healthcare professional might recommend stronger treatments, such as antiviral treatments or laser therapy for mouth ulcers, which can speed up healing and provide relief for severe cases.

Cold Sores vs. Canker Sores: What’s the Difference?

I’ve heard people confuse cold sores and canker sores, but they are not the same. Cold sores are caused by a virus (herpes simplex) and are contagious. They appear outside the mouth, often around the lips. Sore spots in the mouth, on the other hand, appear inside the mouth and are not caused by a virus, so they’re not contagious.

Lifestyle Changes That Help

Here are a few additional lifestyle tips I’ve found helpful:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth healthy and speeds up healing.
• Use Oral Probiotics: I’ve started trying oral probiotics to see if they help balance the bacteria in my mouth. It’s too early to tell, but they’re making a difference.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can irritate the mouth and lead to more sores. Reducing or quitting smoking has improved my oral health and reduced my inner lip sores.

Final Thoughts

Living with recurrent canker sores can be frustrating, but with the right care and prevention strategies, you can reduce the frequency and severity of these painful mouth ulcers. By taking care of your oral hygiene, managing stress, avoiding triggers like acidic foods, and trying out some treatments I’ve mentioned, you can manage and even prevent future outbreaks.

Remember, everyone’s experience with inner lip sores is different. What works for me might not work for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different solutions until you find what helps you best. If your sores are severe or don’t heal, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.