Canker sores are mouth ulcers which are an open sore found in the mucus membrane skins inside the lips, cheeks, on the roof of the mouth, and on the underside of the tongue. These painful sores can also be found on the soft palate and the tonsil areas. There are many causes for canker sores in the mouth, and most are preventable. Canker sores are usually very painful and will go away between 7-10 days. There is no known cure for these sores, neither is there a known cause for them. Unlike the cold sores, these are not contagious and you need not worry if a member of your family or a close friend has them. Canker sores usually present themselves as a whitish lesion with a red border, a small bump or red spot which produces a slight burning/tingling sensation. They are small and out of sight, but painful, persistent and annoying. They may occur on your tongue, inside your cheeks or lips, or at the base of your gums. They are called Aphthous Ulcers, but are more commonly known as canker sores.

What causes canker sores? The following are some of the causes;

1. Braces could break the mucous membrane causing an infection

2. Weak immune system

3. Allergic response

4. Inflammatory bowel diseases

5. Certain food stuff eg. chocolate,coffee, strawberries, nuts, cheese etc.

6. Hormonal shifts during menstruation periods

7. Highly acidic foods such as pineapples

8. Emotional stress

9. HIV AIDS suppresses the immune system

Treatment:

Cures for these painful sores include eating three kiwis each day, drinking unpasteurized goat's milk, or using Aloe Vera juice as a mouth rinse. Sound too exotic? If so, here are a few more remedies that you are more likely to find in your kitchen cupboard. Rinse your mouth with baking soda or warm salt water. Put a dab of horseradish on the sore, eat raw tomatoes or drink tomato juice. You may also want to mix cinnamon and water and then gargle the mixture. Onions become your friend when you have canker sores. Apply a bit of raw onion to the sore or place an ice cube on the ulcer site. Apply a dab of cinnamon to your canker sore to help it heal faster.

You can get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide for less than $2.00 at any Walgreens or grocery store. Pour out a capful and rinse it in your mouth and against your lip for a few seconds, then spit it out. You can also mix it with a little water if you need to, but the peroxide works very well in eliminating bacteria. This is another well known canker sore cure. Mix a tablespoon of salt in with some warm water and rinse several times throughout the day. Salt is well known for its ability to dry up a canker sore.

Understanding that a canker sore is an ongoing process that runs its course inside your mouth suggests that the quicker you attack the process, the quicker you can reverse it and begin the healing. Even the use of a regular antiseptic mouth wash right from the onset of the sore can stop it in it's tracks. The idea is to not wait until the canker sore is at full size with maximum pain before you begin treatment. Mouth examinations are a good idea if canker sores are an ongoing problem. As soon as you think one is starting begin your treatment of choice.

Read About Canker Sores Treatment and also Read about Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

To add a comment please login by clicking here