Canker Sores! Everything You Need to Know!
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the inner lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. These sores are typically round or oval-shaped with a white or yellowish center and a red border.
They are small, painful, whitish ulcers that appear in the mouth either individually or in small groups of 2 or 3 sores.
Where do canker sores appear? They most commonly appear on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, gums, and lips.
Their origin is unknown, but they can arise as a result of some factors:
- Oral trauma (e.g., aggressive brushing or as a result of orthodontic appliance use)
- Stress
- Certain foods
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Allergies to certain substances
- Systemic diseases (e.g., gastrointestinal diseases or vitamin B12 deficiency).
What foods should you avoid when you have canker sores?
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
- Salty foods, such as some snacks, peanuts, or potato chips
- Citrus or acidic fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries
- Foods that are too hard, such as toast or nuts
- Soft drinks (because of the white sugar).
Canker sores typically disappear within two weeks, spontaneously without any treatment. However, there are some medications that can help relieve symptoms.
In summary, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (Vitamin B and Iron) is important for their prevention.
