How Can You Prevent Canker Sores? Here Are Five Tips
If you have ever had a canker sore, you know how painful and uncomfortable they can be. They often seem to appear for no clear reason and are usually found on the inside of the cheeks, along the gumline, or elsewhere in the mouth. Most canker sores heal on their own without the need for dental treatment, but there are steps you can take to help prevent them. The best way to prevent canker sores is to understand what triggers them for you.
What Causes Mouth Sores?
There is no single cause of canker sores. They often develop after minor trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Flare-ups can also happen during periods of high stress. For some people, acidic foods such as strawberries, coffee, tomatoes, or citrus fruits can trigger sores. Vitamin deficiencies can also play a role, and certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, can make you more prone to developing them.
If you have mouth sores that do not heal on their own or occur very frequently, you should discuss this with your doctor or dentist.
How to Relieve and Treat Canker Sores
A canker sore usually lasts a few days and should heal completely within one to two weeks without professional treatment. While you are waiting for it to heal, there are a few ways to reduce discomfort:
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash as a rinse to help soothe the area and support natural healing.
- If the sore is very painful, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.
Five Tips for Preventing Canker Sores
Because canker sores can have different causes for different people, it helps to identify what triggers yours. If you notice they occur after mouth injuries or eating certain foods, making changes can be very effective. Here are five tips to help reduce or prevent canker sores:
- Get enough sleep, rest, and relaxation. Emotional stress and fatigue are often linked to canker sore outbreaks.
- Canker sores often occur after biting the inside of your cheek or tongue. Eat slowly, chew carefully, and avoid talking while eating.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods if you think they trigger your sores. If you already have a sore, these foods can make it more painful and slow healing.
- Make sure your diet includes enough iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Vitamin deficiencies can contribute to canker sores, and supplements may help if your diet is lacking.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps keep bacteria under control and supports proper healing.
Contact Petinge Dental
If you have frequent, severe, or long-lasting canker sores, contact our office in Saugus, MA to speak with Dr. Stephen Petinge, DMD. He will be happy to discuss possible causes, treatment options, and strategies to help reduce or prevent future outbreaks.