Preventing Canker Sores

Canker sores are the often painful mouth ulcerscause canker sores. Some of the more abrasive
that result from a variety of causes. These soresfoods that can cause injuries to the inside of the
can be very annoying, as they can make itmouth include corn and potato chips and bread
difficult to eat, talk, and drink. They also causecrusts, especially hard or dried crusts. All of these
discomfort when one is brushing one's teeth, andfoods can encourage canker sore growth within
can cause you to brush gingerly during thethe mouth. You should limit them if you find that
duration of the canker sore. There is no absoluteyou frequently develop canker sores.
cure for canker sores, and no surefire way toOther substances that can contribute to the
prevent them. However, there are a variety ofdevelopment of canker sores include tobacco and
mouth medicines to reduce the pain and helpalcohol. Tobacco is bad for you on multiple levels,
them heal, as well as a few things you can do toand in any form can aggravate conditions in your
reduce the likelihood that you will get a cankermouth enough to result in a canker sore. Chewing
sore.tobacco, though, is especially prone to creating
One of the basic things that you can do to avoidcanker sores. Frequent alcohol consumption can
canker sores is to be careful of causing injury toalso contribute substantially to canker sore
the inside of your mouth. Such injuries candevelopment. Limiting your intake can help reduce
provide a breeding ground for the bacteria thatthe chances that you will develop canker sores in
cause ulcers, as well as provide an ideal locationyour mouth.
for painful swelling. Chewing your food slowly andYou can also reduce the chances of developing
carefully can help you avoid accidentally biting yourcanker sores by regular, daily dental hygiene
tongue or your cheek. Bite injuries to the moth(brushing and flossing every day, and using
often develop into canker sores. Another way tomouthwash), and by visiting your dentist on a
avoid mouth injury is to gently brush your teeth.regular basis. Most professionals recommend that
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. You want toyou pay a visit to the dentist every six months.
make sure that you brush thoroughly, but there isSome canker sores are caused by allergies and
no need to be rough with your brushing.nutrient deficiencies, so if you follow the above
Some foods are known to trigger canker sores.guidelines and still find that you are developing
While it is usually okay to eat most foods, tooregular canker sores, speak with a health
much of some acidic foods, or rough foods whichprofessional about your options. You may be
are abrasive to the mouth, can result in cankerprescribed special medications or supplements to
sores. Acidic foods like nuts, citrus fruits, andhelp address the problem.
tomatoes can irritate the inside of the mouth and