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