Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcer is a painful ulceration which occurs inside the mouth and the upper throat. It is characterized by a breakage in the mucus membrane which ranges from minor ulcerations to more severe ulcerations called hepetiform ulcerations. These canker sores, however, are non contagious.
The exact cause of these canker sores are not really known, however a lot have been suggested as precipitating factors of these outbreaks. These are:
1. Physical injuries or trauma to the mouth. This is said to be the most cause of these mouth sores. Examples of physical injuries include accidental biting of you cheeks or your lips may cause ulceration. This is often seen in people who engage in contact sports. Other examples of physical injury include brushing too aggressively, or having lacerations due to foods that can be quite abrasive and sharp such as nachos and potato chips.
2. Orthodontic attachments such as braces or dentures which are not fitted properly can cause friction and trauma to tissues inside the mouth and can lead to ulcerations in the mouth.
3. Food or drinks that are consumed while still too hot may cause these aphthous sores in the area of the mouth that have been burned.
4. Food or substances that come into contact with the mouth which can irritate its tissues can also cause these ulcerations. Examples of these are spicy foods and also acidic foods (such as citrus fruits) can cause irritation and may lead to mouth sores. Also, those who chew tobacco tend to develop mouth sores around the area where the tobacco is held. This too can irritate the tissues inside the mouth and cause ulcerations.
5. Stress and also lack of sleep have been identified as possible causes of these mouth sores. A sudden drop in one’s weight and a deficiency in one’s immune system have also been pointed out as other possible triggers in the development of canker sores.
6. Having certain preexisting diseases can be possible causes of mouth sores. Examples of these diseases include those diseases that compromise the immune system such as HIV or AIDS. Others include Celiac disease (sores are often associated with gluten), Crohn’s disease, and Bechet’s disease.
7. The development of these mouth sores have also been associated with deficiencies of some vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and even zinc.
8. A few medications such as some types of chemotherapy and a vasodilator called Nicorandil have been associated with the development of these mouth sores.
9. Studies have shown that food sensitivity or food allergies such as allergies to cow’s milk may be a cause of canker sores.
Canker Sores
Treatment and prevention of aphthous sores:
Pain from these mouth sores will usually recede after a few days and treatment is not usually a necessity. But if the sores are too painful, persistent or too large, then mouth rinses, ointments or medications can be prescribed to help alleviate the pain.
For the prevention of these mouth sores, you can see that most of the causes or triggers can actually be prevented by simply avoiding foods that can cause canker sores, or by improving one’s health in general. Prevention can also be more effective if people were educated properly on how to take care of their oral cavity.
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