Canker Sore Information and Tips

Canker sores are not viral infections. Canker sores in the mouth can erupt when the immune system is weakened, for example because of stress, lack of sleep or an illness or from certain acid foods such as tomatoes.

Click here to read about Manuka Honey as natural remedy for canker sores

Click here for more information about Fever Blisters

What is a Canker Sore?

Canker sores are little painful ulcers in the mouth. They can appear as white spots inside the mouth, for example inside the cheeks or the tongue. Anybody can get them, however these painful ulcers are more prevalent in women. It is stated that over 50% of the U.S. population gets canker sores.

The little ulcers cannot spread from person to person since they are not caused by bacteria or viruses. Only later on bacteria get involved in case of an infection. That is when antibacterial remedies have to be applied.

Manuka Honey has excellent antibacterial properties that can help shorten the painful healing process of the sore.

Read more

What causes Canker Sores?
 

There can be several causes for canker sores to develop, such as stress, food allergies, poor nutrition, not enough sleep or poor dental hygiene. Also, small injuries such as minor cuts and abrasions caused by massaging the gums while brushing the teeth and dentures can cause the ulcers as they get infected. Research has shown that people with low levels of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and C and low levels of iron and folic acid are more prone to develop the little painful ulcers. The most common reason however is said to be stress. Stress weakens the body’s immune system and makes the body more prone to infections. Regular exercise lowers stress levels.

Manuka Honey has helped many of our customers to strengthen their immune system and thereby prevented the outbreak of the ulcers.

Click here to read more about a natural canker sores treatment with Manuka Honey

How to help prevent Canker Sores

Generally the first step is keeping track of when exactly you get these sores in order to find out what is possibly causing them.

If it seems to be due to a food allergy avoid the food that causes the allergic reaction.

Following is a list of foods which should be avoided when having the sore:

* Citrus Fruits

* Tomatoes
* Processed Foods
* Sugar, Candy, and Chewing Gum
* Spicy Foods
* Coffee
* Grain Foods
* Acidic Beverages

Instead it is often recommended to eat foods that are able to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth, such as yogurt, cottage cheese or buttermilk. These products all contain the healthy acidophilus bacteria.
 

Another simple cause can be a local injury from a toothbrush or a denture that got infected. Also, toothpaste with SLS (Sodium Lauryle Sulfate) can be responisble since it attacks the mucous membranes in the mouth. Therefore try using toothpaste without SLS.

Having too much acidity in your stomach might also be a possible cause for canker sores. Therefore it is recommended to cut out acidic foods, such as meat, sodas and sugar.