Canker Sores Reasons And Treatment

What Is A Canker Sore?

Aphthous ulcer or canker sore occurs in soft tissues of the mouth, called a painful mouth ulcer or sore. It may appear on your gums or inside your cheeks, lips, or inner soft parts, on or below your tongue, a soft palate that is a soft area at the back of the mouth roof. People may notice yellow or white ulcerative round or oval lesions in the mouth which may be surrounded by inflamed, red tissues and maybe sometimes quite painful. A burning or tingling feeling may appear before the occurrence of canker sores. The canker sores may vary in size a lot, maybe small or large.

Major canker sores and minor canker sores are the two types of sores, of which the major ones are quite painful and may take a quite long time to heal. Herpetiform is also a typical type of canker sore that is very less common. They have the size of pinpricks and may appear as clusters. These may develop in later age years. Although not contagious, but it may make it tough for you to even kiss your child due to pain and uneasiness. They heal in a month or three weeks sometimes without any treatment.

Vitamin deficiencies, dietary factors, levels of stress, and certain other factors affect the depth of lesions in the mouth. These canker sores or mouth sores sometimes develop in the esophagus too, that is the tube leading to the stomach. Occasionally, these mouth sores may indicate a deeper level of lesion caused by infectious viruses as herpes simplex virus.

Types Of Canker Sores:

A canker sore is a type of disease that has certain types and kinds depending upon the duration, intensity of disturbance, causes of disturbance, and underlying reasons. These types may be treated according to the reason and base on home treatments as well as medicated treatments.

1- Small Canker Sores:

Small canker sores are the types of sores that can be treated easily than large canker sores. They are less painful and cause less distress than the larger sores. They finish off earlier than the large sores and appear less red and less swollen.

2- Large Canker Sores:

Large canker sores appear redder and swollen. These are difficult to treat and do not go away easily. They are more painful and create more uneasiness, swelling, and create inflammation in a larger area around them.

3- Herpetiform Canker Sores:

The most uncommon form of canker sore is a herpetiform canker sore that has a large size and appears as clusters.

Underlying Diseases Prompting Canker Sores:

The number of reasons for small canker sores or larger canker sores may be:

Cold sores: These may be the painful, red, and fluid-filled blisters that appear near lips and mouth. The area often burns or tingles before the sore becomes visible. Mild flu-like symptoms, low fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, etc. may be accompanied by cold sores.

Anemia: Reduced, damaged or impaired red blood cells are unable to transport enough oxygen throughout your body and may give rise to a number of diseases including canker sores. The symptoms include dizziness, decreased blood pressure, increased blood pressure, cold skin, pale skin, pale gums, racing heart, pounding heart, canker sores, disturbed gastric emptying, etc. Anemia may be caused in turn by a number of factors either quickly or acutely after an injury or surgery.

Gingivomatitis: A common infection of the mouth and gums is gingivostomatitis that occurs mostly in children. Grayish or yellowish tender sores with red center on gums or inside cheeks appear as the leading symptoms. Mild flu-like symptoms accompany. The ultimate effects are drooling and pain with eating especially in young guys.

Infectious mononucleosis: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main reason for infectious mononucleosis. School students and college students usually become prey to this virus. Few leading symptoms include swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headache, fatigue, night sweats and body aches etc. which all may last for more than two to three months.

Folate deficiency: Folate deficiency may cause anemia or low red blood cells which ultimately causes DNA damages. Since folate is an important vitamin B to repair and make DNA. Folate is considered very crucial for the proper neural tube development in embryos. The symptoms may include pale skin, canker sores, weakness, fatigue, tongue swelling, delayed growth, and gray hair.

Oral thrush: A yeast infection developing inside the mouth or tongue is called oral thrush. It is a sign of a weakened immune system in adults, still most common in infants and children. Whitish creamy bumps appear on the tongue, gums, tonsils, inner cheeks, etc. that can be easily scraped off. Loss of taste, difficulty swallowing, and pain at the site of the bumps, dry and cracked skin at the corners of the mouth, as well as canker sores are the typical symptoms indicating oral thrush.

Hand, mouth, and foot disease: Red, painful blisters on the tongue and gums of approximately under five years of age make the leading symptoms. Raised red spots or flat red spots on soles of the feet and palms of the hand or on the buttocks or genital area, canker sores in the mouth are all the symptoms of the disease affecting all these areas.

Leukoplakia: Hairy appearance on tongue or lining of the mouth, or thick white patches on the tongue and inner mouth lining making canker sores are caused by leukoplakia. Regular dental care prevents the recurrence of leukoplakia since it may away on its own after some time. If it persists and reoccurs soon then may lead to oral cancer.

Oral lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory disorder that appears as white, lacy, raised patches of tissue in the mouth resembling spiderweb is oral lichen planus. They may appear as tender, red, swollen patches which may ulcerate and become canker sores. While eating or brushing teeth the open ulcers may bleed and cause pain.

Celtic disease: Gluten damages the lining of the small intestine and the immune response gives rise to celiac disease. The damage to the small intestine may cause poor absorption of dietary nutrients like vitamin B, D, iron, or calcium. Adult symptoms are diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, gas, fatty stools, skin rash, mouth sores or canker sores, joint pain, anemia, etc. The common symptoms of children are chronic diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache, yellow/discolored teeth, delayed puberty, delayed growth, ulceration of the mouth sometimes leading to canker sores, etc.

Mouth cancer: Any working part of the mouth or oral cavity as teeth, gums, tongue, the roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, cheeks, lips, etc. are affected by mouth cancer. The appearance of mouth cancer may be as white patches or red patches of ulcers inside the mouth or lips that become impossible to be healed. The leading symptoms are ear pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin area, armpits, etc., bleeding gums, canker sores, and weight loss.

Pemphigus Vulgaris: A rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, genitals, anus, and lungs. Easily bleed able painful itchy skin blisters, canker sores in the mouth and on the skin of every part and may break and bleed easily. Mouth blisters and throat blisters cause Painful swallowing and eating.

General Causes Of Canker Sores:

The canker sores may last for three to six days and may be small or large. In addition to the major underlying diseases, sometimes any acute injury or acute case of disease may prompt the occurrence of mouth sores called canker sores. The number of reasons that may trigger the canker sores is:

Injury: Injury to the inside of the mouth may create a canker sore due to eruptions and long-term injury.

Deficiency of nutrients: Vitamin B-12, iron, or folate are the essential components of our daily diet, any deficiency in each and all of these nutrients may create canker sores.

Sodium lauryl sulfate: An ingredient of certain mouthwashes and kinds of toothpaste to be used is the component that may create canker sores.

Hormonal fluctuations: Any imbalances in the hormones acutely or chronically at a certain stage as pregnancy, periodical menstruation, menopause, or any other such condition that may cause stress may prompt canker sores.

Allergic reaction to food: Chocolates, nuts, or spicy food may cause an allergic reaction in the body creating the formation of canker sores.

Change of sleeping habits: Travelling to another area than the original habitat may alter the gastric habits and digestion processes with changes in time and sleeping habits. This may cause canker sores.

Immune system disturbance: Any inflammatory bowel disease or lupus that may affect the immune system may create disturbance and create canker sores.

Symptoms Of Canker Sores:

Canker sores are the most common types of sores that may be open and quite painful. The location may vary from inside the cheeks to lips and sometimes lining of the esophagus depending upon the severity of the symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of canker sores are:

Colored pimple: A small yellow or white pimple that may appear in the mouth is the first symptom of canker sores.
Red area: A painful red area around the pimple in the mouth indicates the appearance of canker sores.
Tingling sensation: A tingling feeling and sensation in the mouth indicate the disturbance from the normal routine giving a doubt of canker sores.
Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes get swollen due to any appearance of infection in the ears, nose, or throat, or any other part of the mouth that indicates the involvement of bacterial attack.
Fever: The patient may suffer from fever as a reaction to the bacterial infection of canker sores.
Generally restless: Generally the patient feels unwell and unhealthy as well as restless due to infection and its reaction by the body. The patient cannot eat anything too indicating the anxiety of ill-feeling.

Treatment Strategies For Canker Sores:

Canker sores are not difficult to treat and most of the time they go off themselves after three to seven days but still, they are very uncomfortable due to disability to eat, drink and enjoy the food, even to talk. Treatment strategies may be either DIY strategy or over-the-counter medications or prescribed medications depending upon the intensity, duration, reason behind, and many other basics.

Prescription Medicines Available For Canker Sores:

The prescription drugs given by doctors after diagnosis of the canker sores may include antibiotics, anti-microbial, corticosteroids, and certain mouthwashes. These all classes of drugs are available in several brands and doses. The doctor may prescribe and change the medicine according to the severity and duration of the canker sores. These include:

Antimicrobials: The mouth rinse with an antimicrobial in it may relieve the symptoms of canker sores. Examples include Listerine or chlorhexidine.

Antibiotic: Certain mouthwashes or pills and tablets containing antibiotics are prescribed by the doctors to serve different purposes for the patient as the pain-killing effect, reduces the pus in canker sores, reduces inflammation and burning in the mouth, etc.

Corticosteroids: Several ointments, creams, and lotions include corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation created by canker sores and to reduce the pain as hydrocortisone hemisuccinate or beclomethasone.

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory: Any mouthwashes or mouth rinses containing dexamethasone or lidocaine for pain and inflammation are prescribed by the doctors.

Over-The-Counter Medicines For Canker Sores:

Canker sores may be treated before going to the doctor by over-the-counter drugs and home remedies. The over-the-counter drugs are topical products that may help to relieve the immediate effects of canker sores. These drugs include:

Benzocaine: It may create numbness at the site of pain and relieve the patient from severe pain for the time being.

Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a great rinse to be used for mouth rinsing to get relief from the symptoms of canker sores.

Fluocinonide: Fluocinonide may help to relieve the symptoms a bit.

DIY Treatment Strategies And Methods For Canker Sores:

Treating canker sores is not an overnight treatment. It requires patience, ability to tolerate and then try certain home-prepared medicines or do your own strategies to get relief from the irritating symptoms. They help the redness and swelling as well as pain symptoms to reduce a bit but obviously not with a bullet’s speed.

The canker sores normally take three to seven days to wind up and their effects do not harm physiologically. Several of these DIY projects include alum powder, salt water, baking soda, honey, and many more. These include:

Alum powder: Potassium aluminum sulfate makes the alum powder that is often used in daily routine to preserve pickled vegetables and food. The astringent properties of alum powder help to dry out the canker sores and help shrink the tissues.

How to use alum powder for canker sores: The alum powder is converted into a paste by mixing a drop of water in a tiny amount of alum powder. The paste may be dabbed onto a canker sore and left for at least two minutes. The procedure may be repeated until the canker sore finishes…

Rinsing with salt water: To rinse your mouth with salt water is a great DIY strategy. It may be a painful treatment for canker sores of any kind but still, it can be used due to its antibacterial and astringent properties. The canker sores may be dried out by the treatment.
How to use saltwater in canker sores: Luke water almost half cup may be used to dissolve one teaspoon of table salt. The solution may be swirled in your mouth for fifteen to thirty seconds and then maybe spitted out. The procedure may be repeated every few hours as they need.
Rinsing with baking soda: Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is the inorganic compound that may restore the pH balance of the inside of the mouth. It decreases the acidity and balances the acid-base balance of the mouth. It helps to reduce inflammation by restoring balance, which is sometimes the leading cause of canker sores.
How to use baking soda for canker sores: In half cup of water, a teaspoonful of baking soda may be dissolved. The solution may be swirled in the mouth for fifteen to thirty seconds and then spitted out. The procedure may be repeated every few hours. The baking soda generally doesn’t harm if swallowed, but the taste is super salty so should be avoided.
Yogurt: A number of bacteria may get involved in the development of canker sores although it’s not confirmed cause it may be considered the primary reason. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) bacteria or inflammatory bowel disease is given primary consideration in this parameter. Probiotic cultures as lactobacillus eradicate the H.pylori and may help to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The yogurt containing the probiotics may cure the canker sores if inflammatory bowel disease or H.pylori may be the reason for canker sores. Home-made yogurt or yoghurt from the market may help to wear off the canker sores if taken at least one cup a day.
Honey: A great natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory natural product is honey that is being used for centuries due to its healing properties. Honey reduces canker sores in pain, size, and redness controlling the inflammation and swelling to a large extent. It is a great help to reduce secondary inflammation too. Honey may be applied three to four times daily to reduce the inflammation of canker sores. Unfiltered and unpasteurized honey is the least processed that\’s why retains the healing properties for a long.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a great anti-microbial. It is a deep-acting natural product that cures canker sore, by preventing its attack and from spreading. As a natural anti-inflammatory product, it helps to reduce pain and redness. The taste of coconut oil is great and sweet.

How to use coconut oil for canker sores: The coconut oil must be applied gently to the canker sores. The application can be repeated several times to cure the canker sores.

Hydrogen peroxide for canker sores: The hydrogen peroxide cleans the canker sore as well as reduces the bacteria in your mouth by promoting healing of the sores.

How to use hydrogen peroxide for canker sores: Equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide as a three percent solution is diluted and used for canker sores. A cotton ball or cotton swab may be dipped into the mixture to be applied to the mixture directly to cure canker sores. The solution can be used few times daily to relieve the symptoms. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouth rinse too. The solution can be swished around your mouth and then maybe spitted out.

Milk of magnesia: Milk of magnesia is composed of magnesium hydroxide. Milk of magnesia is a great laxative and acid neutralizer. It is alkaline and changes the pH of the mouth so that the sore cannot thrive. It can coat the canker sore surface to relieve the pain of sores and prevent the irritation of sores.

How to use milk of magnesia for canker sores: The milk of magnesia can be applied in a small amount to the canker sores. The milk of magnesia may be kept for several seconds then rinse in the mouth. The procedure may be repeated up to three times daily to cure canker sores.

Chamomile compress to cure canker sores: The chamomile compress is used as a natural remedy to ease the pain of canker sores and heal wounds. The two important compounds of German chamomile, azulene, and levomenol give it anti-inflammatory and antiseptic characteristics. The teabag of chamomile is called chamomile compress that serves the purpose to heal and soothe canker sores as a compress.

How to use chamomile compress for canker sores: The wet chamomile tea bag is applied to the canker sore and left for few minutes. The freshly brewed chamomile tea can be rinsed in the mouth three to four times daily to heal the canker sores.

Echinacea: The Echinacea possess immune-boosting powers and wound-healing characteristics. These two properties help to heal the canker sores in the mouth. The immune system becomes activated by the immunity-boosting properties and tries to balance the acid-base pH. These properties help to heal the wounds and protect the mouth from the spread of further canker sores.

How to use echinacea for canker sores: Mix equal parts of liquid echinacea, almost one teaspoon, and water in the same amount. The solution may be swished around the mouth for about two minutes. The solution may be spitted out or swallowed as needed. The echinacea tea becomes beneficial by rinsing in the mouth. The treatment may be repeated three to four times daily.

Sage mouthwash: The traditional use of sage tea to treat mouth inflammation has been in practice for centuries. Sage tea has been incorporated as a sage mouthwash for a number of oral problems to be rinsed in the mouth. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent acts of the sage tea protect the mouth from canker sores and other inflammatory conditions. The pain may be relieved by the application of sage mouthwash.

How to use sage mouthwash for canker sores: Fresh sage leaves in the amount of one to two tablespoons may be added to boiling water. It may be left steep for at least five minutes. The solution may be strain and cooled to be swished and rinsed in the mouth for a couple of minutes. The solution may be rinsed or spitted out.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) mouthwash: The herbal extract of deglycyrrhizinal licorice extract has been used to make the mouthwash with its great anti-inflammatory abilities. The DGL reduces inflammation and acts as a natural remedy to counteract the acidic effect of inflammatory mediators. DGL can be used as a mouthwash made by the supplement.

How to use DGL as an anti-canker sore: A mixture of one capsule of deglycyrrhizinal licorice extract, almost equivalent to two hundred milligrams and one cup of warm water. The solution may be swished around your mouth for three to four minutes. Later it may be spitted out. Deglycyrrhizinal licorice extract can be used as a mouth patch that acts to shrink canker sores. The patch can be applied to the canker sore and left in place for thirty to thirty five minutes. The sore can be treated earlier than the time used by the canker sore to finish itself.

Apple cider vinegar mouthwash: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is considered a general cure for almost every disease including canker sores. The acid of the vinegar in apple cider vinegar helps to kill the bacteria that irritate the sore. Acidic foods normally worsen the canker sores but apple ingredients counteract the effects rather promotes the healing of sores by acting as an antidote to acid. It must always be used with caution.

How to use apple cider vinegar for canker sores: The apple cider vinegar in the amount of one teaspoon and one cup of water may be combined to make the mixture. The mixture must be swished around the mouth for thirty seconds to one minute. It may be spitted out and the mouth may be rinsed later to extract the remnants left. The process may be repeated daily for two weeks to get the desired results. Sometimes cotton can be used by dipping in the mixture of apple cider vinegar and applied to the sore area. In either way, the mouth must be rinsed afterward to remove any drop of apple cider vinegar left as it may cause damage to the tooth if left.

Zinc lozenges: Immune system of the body is the defense system of the body that acts against the invading bacteria and viruses to protect the body from them. Zinc is one of the minerals used to boost the immunity of the body. Zinc lozenges are taken regularly to help the immune system to fight off any invading bacteria that may cause canker sores. It decreases healing time additionally to relieve it at the earliest. Zinc lozenges in certain formulae may have other ingredients as echinaceas making them more effective for long-term and deep acting. One lozenge at a time is let to be dissolved in the mouth for effectiveness against pain and inflammation of canker sores.
Vitamin-B complex supplement: The diet low in the nutritional value of vitamin B-12 may prompt the occurrence of canker sores since all the vitamins and nutrients like minerals, and other ingredients have a natural role to act against the invading bacteria and viruses. Almost one thousand micrograms of vitamin B-12 daily helps to treat canker sores and prevent them from occurring in the long run.
Watermelon frost: Watermelon frost has been used in Chinese traditional medicines for many years to treat canker sores effectively. It is available as a tablet, powder or spray to be applied directly to the sore for quickest healing and to relieve the accompanying pain.

Dos And Don’ts To Reduce The Symptoms Of Canker Sores:

A number of dos and don’ts must be considered for the improvement of symptoms of canker sores and must be followed to help improve your eating and talking ease. These factors include:

Avoid narcotics: Avoiding narcotics and chemicals that may disturb your pH of mouth either by direct intake or through any food containing those chemicals like nicotine, caffeine, or alcohol.
Dietary intake timings: Must eat a heavy meal in the morning and a lighter meal in the evening to take and eat at least two hours before going to bed to help the metabolism processes to reduce the acidic content of the food and process it for proper digestion.
Hygienic: Must keep yourself hygienic with a regular brush after every meal with a nice toothpaste to avoid any plaque and dirt to make the area acidic prone for the development of canker sores.
Avoid fried food intake: Avoid all fried food and any food that may have a stingy effect on the tongue and mouth.
Healthy food intake: Take healthy food, fresh fruits, dry fruits, and juices to keep you hydrated and avoid dryness.

Risk Factors For Canker Sores:

The family history of canker sores or very acidic content in your regular diet may increase the risk for the development of canker sores. Other than the family history a number of factors contribute to the development of canker sores as:

Viral infection: Any type of viral infection creates disturbance of acid-base balance and may cause canker sores.
Stress: Stress may cause acidity and indigestion leading to acid-base imbalance and ultimately may develop canker sores.
Hormonal fluctuation: The increased or decreased level of hormones and its fluctuation due to any reason as menstruation, menopause, or any other reason.
Food allergy: Any type of allergic reaction that may occur due to seafood or some other spicy food may prompt the occurrence of canker sores.
Menstrual cycle: Each time due to the menstrual cycle the hormonal fluctuation and acidity may cause canker sores to develop.
Mineral or vitamin deficiency: Any deficiency in minerals or vitamins may cause canker sores to develop due to an imbalance in pH and acidity.
Immune system disturbance: Immune system once gets disturbed due to any deficiency may exacerbate the development of canker sores.
Mouth injury Any mouth injury including acid attack or gum disease or any other injury may cause canker sore development.
Excitement for an upcoming event: If you are excited for any upcoming event as some public ceremony or any other lime-lighted news, then your sleep runs away quite long before that.

When To Contact A Doctor:

Sometimes the canker sores are not that simple as they appear to be. They may lead to more complex circumstances and situations as cancer or few other outcomes. You may immediately consult your doctor if you have tried all the over-the-counter drugs and home-prepared strategies to treat and cure the canker sores. If still the symptoms persist and rather develop into some associated complications then you must not try yourself. Rather visit a doctor immediately and get it diagnosed then treated further. Some of these complicated later effects are as listed below:

Large sores: If the canker sores rather than decrease or vanish are continuously growing and developing then must consult the doctor immediately to stop them.

The outbreak of sores: If the sore becomes thousands of sores within a small period of time and is not moving in the reverse direction, then must consult the doctor immediately.

Excruciating pain: If the pain continues to develop and becomes very severe then one must talk to a doctor immediately for diagnosis and proper treatment.

High fever: High fever that is not coming down in spite of all self-treatment is an indication of some underlying bacterial or viral reaction in the body. It is a great sign of a disturbed immune system which must be treated as a priority.

Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea along with canker sores is an indication of high acidity which may be due to underlying ulcer, ulcerative colitis, or any other acidic condition that may lead to further complications. Therefore you must immediately consult a doctor to find the reason.

Rash: Rash is not only a skin reaction but also a reason for the underlying reason which may create canker sores as an outcome.

Headache: Continuous headache along with headache may cause canker sore seriousness which may be eradicated by consulting a doctor immediately to treat it.

If your symptoms persist for more than three weeks then you must consult a doctor immediately to find and eradicate any underlying reasons associated with the complication.

Diagnosis And Recognition Of Canker Sores:

Canker sores may be diagnosed with the help of a physician or doctor by examining it either visually or if severe breakthrough then may ask you for the blood tests or biopsy of the area where there is an outbreak of the canker sores. They can order such tests in case they doubt that you may have:

Any virus
Hormonal disorder
A vitamin or mineral deficiency
A severe breakout
Immune system abnormalities

A cancer lesion may also appear as a canker sore but it becomes difficult to be healed with general prescription drugs or DIYs. If such symptoms are present in addition to canker sores then a proper treatment must be initiated immediately, as:

Loose teeth
Trouble swallowing
Earaches
Bleeding from gums or mouth

Complications Of Canker Sores:

People often initially try home-prepared strategies and other over-the-counter drugs for the canker sores to treat and relieve the severity of symptoms of canker sores. Sometimes if the canker sores are left untreated then other serious complications may develop creating more disturbance and uneasiness. These more serious complications may be:

Extra fatigue may hint at some underlying disease along with canker sores.
Discomfort while eating, brushing, or drinking something that may cause inability to eat and continue daily life.
Sores spreading from inside of the mouth to outside creating a height of disturbance and uneasiness with severe pain.
Fever may occur as a reaction of the immune system of the body combating the effects of bacteria or viruses that may help to erupt the canker sores development.
Cellulitis, an inflammation of the cells may be a complicated situation due to canker sores going deep inside the mouth.

Prevention From Canker Sores:

Canker sores once developed become difficult to treat so our first initiative should be to prevent the sores from developing. One should adopt hygienic and highly precautionary dietary habits to avoid the development of canker sores. Any food that may provoke the acid-base imbalance must be avoided or any food that may have a history with you personally to develop sores must be avoided. Spicy food, salty food, acidic food, or any allergic food that may cause itching, swollen tongue or hives, etc. may cause canker sores.

Stress reduction methodologies must be adapted as calming techniques, deep breathing, meditation, and journaling. Such methods neutralize any abnormal stress hormones from developing and provide a peaceful environment giving relief from canker sores. Hygienic oral health must be practiced etc.

Some of the steps to be followed to prevent the canker sores development are:

Avoid Stress: Stress is the leading cause of any type of problem to develop and make an outgoing source to relieve the problem. Such is the case with canker sores. Stress must be avoided to prevent the development of an acidic environment and thus canker sores.

Oral hygiene: Soft toothbrush of a branded company with the toothpaste of proper ingredients to pride protection to enamel as well as protect the mouth from germs and acidity that may erupt canker sores.

Nutritious diet: Highly nutritious diet must be preferred to avoid any kind of discrepancy of minerals, vitamins, or any other food to avoid the acid-base balance and thus prevent canker sores.

A proper routine of eating habits: Must avoid staying hungry for long and must adopt proper eating and sleeping habits to avoid indigestion and any other problem that may lead to the development of canker sores.

Avoid acidity: Spicy, oily, fast food or highly acidic food must be kept in balance with alkaline food to avoid acidity of the mouth thus preventing the development of canker sores.

Prohibit mixing of oral items: Strictly avoid using anyone else’s toothbrush or cosmetics or lipstick or any other material that is related to oral mixing to avoid the germs to travel from one side to another protecting yourself from canker sores.

Proper sleep: Not taking proper sleep and disturbance of sleeping patterns may give rise to stress that ultimately may lead to canker sores that must be avoided by following proper sleep patterns.

Dental braces: Dental braces if unavoidable only then must be used and must be kept hygienic to avoid any dental caries or gingivitis or any other problem that may lead to canker sores development.

Proper eating: Must avoid talking while eating to avoid any bite or injury that due to lack of immune system or any other reason may lead to canker sore development.

Children And Canker Sores:

Canker sores may appear at any age and time of life due to certain lifestyle habits, underlying diseases or differences in food intake, general condition of digestion, and many others, etc. Children may get canker sores with all of these reasons along with some others as through bite while eating or taking a bite or due to spicy food. The child must be taken to a doctor for the diagnosis, prescription, and treatment of the child to avoid any complications.

How to take care of the child at home:

Must give your child drink cold liquids as iced tea or cold water, eat frozen juices or flavored ice pops. The child must be provided with a straw to keep the liquid from touching the canker sores.
The child must be given bland, soft food that is easy to swallow and chew. These foods include custard, cream, applesauce, cottage cheese, cheese and macaroni, yoghurt, soft-cooked eggs, cream soups, and ice cream.
The food given to the child must be cut into small pieces or ground, mashed, blended or it may be puree food. It makes it easier for the child to eat, swallow or chew.
During the time when canker sores heal, the child must avoid spicy, salty food, chocolate, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
Ice must be placed on the child\’s sore to reduce the pain, uneasiness, and itching.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen must be given for pain reduction. Must follow all the instructions and guidance on the label. Aspirin must not be given to any child younger than eighteen years. May it be linked to Reye syndrome that is a serious issue.
Always note that must not give two or more pain medications at the same time for pain reduction unless prescribed by the doctor. Many pain killer medicines have acetaminophen that is Tylenol. More than sufficient Tylenol is harmful to the children.
Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush for your child. Make sure that children keep their teeth hygienic by brushing their teeth carefully and regularly.

Canker Sores And Pregnancy :

Canker sores may appear at any age and time of life. It may occur at an early stage of life as well as in elder age. There are many reasons that cause the occurrence of canker sores which are hormonal fluctuations in different stages of life like pregnancy or glandular issues etc. There are many reasons that can lead to canker sores are as follows;

Hormonal Fluctuations:

Pregnancy leads to changes in the hormonal level of women which affect the mechanism of our body through which it faces different toxins or poisons and even the blood circulations to the gums. This makes the individual more susceptible to buccal or health problems. One of these issues may surface as canker sores in the mouth during pregnancy.

Deficiency Of Vitamins:

Vitamins play an important role in the normal functioning of our body. The deficiency of vitamin D causes malabsorption of calcium in the body. Calcium has a vital role in strengthening the bones as well as teeth in pregnancy time as well as the normal condition of individuals. There are such types of food that may lead to canker sores like wheat-containing chocolate or citrus food as orange and lemon etc. Passing through the stage of pregnancy you must make sure proper intake of vitamins like folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc for normal body functioning.

Strain:

Stress and strain are the leading factors during pregnancy that may lead to the development of canker sores or other dental and buccal problems. The deficient immune system of the body and hormonal fluctuations due to stress level causes a rise in cortisone level that may induce acidity in the body leading to ultimate reactions as mouth ulcers, canker sores, etc.

Immunity discrepancy:

Immunity takes part in the avoidance of different bacterial and viral infections in the body. During pregnancy, any viral or bacterial infection may erupt in certain types of reactions since the immunity system of the body becomes weakened due to hormonal fluctuations. The discrepancy in immune system efficiency causes canker sores. Canker sores may be the outcome of any bacterial or viral infections

Gastric disturbance:

Several gastric issues and disturbances occur during pregnancy due to hormonal ups and downs, limited food aversions and affections, the weight of the baby, weight of the uterus, etc. that may cause extra pressure on the gastric system. Normal peptic juices are not secreted which leads to the formation of gastric as well as oral thrushes like canker sores.

Sometimes, sphincters present in the gastrointestinal system constrict and prevent the backward flow of gastric entities from the stomach to the esophagus and buccal cavity or mouth. These partially digested foods also cause the development of mouth ulcers as well as esophageal and gastric ulcers in the pregnancy stage.

Treatment Strategies For Canker Sores During Pregnancy:

When you have undergone diagnosis of your lips, tongue, or mouth and confirmed the mouth ulcer during the pregnancy period you have the following things to do at this stage:

First of all, it is necessary to confirm that you are following the best oral hygienic procedures like toothpaste with medicinal ingredients as Zendium, or Sensodyne twice a day. You are also using the mouth wash of medicinal constituents like Hi prudent etc.

Always use the toothbrush with fine and soft blisters and apply slowly to avoid further soreness and pain of gums and ulcers. You can also apply medicinal tubes or ointments like Somogel which also reduces the pain or soreness of canker sores.

Occasionally the canker sores may go on throughout pregnancy due to continuous acidity and other reasons. If canker sores prolong for more than three weeks and there is no reduction in soreness then consult your physician or dentist for further professional advice. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the patient to carry on with such an uneasy time during eating and talking. However, whether pregnant or not pregnant, the canker sores must be treated according to the time duration, severity, and underlying reasons.