Canker sores, medically known as aphthous stomatitis or ulcerative stomatitis, are common, affecting approximately 20 percent of the population. They are shallow, painful ulcers that appear on the inner lining of the lips and cheeks, the tongue and the base of the gums, and they last for one or two weeks.
The causes of canker sores are not definitively known, but they are believed to be related to food sensitivities, digestive disorders, nutrient deficiencies and stress. Many natural home remedies exist to help heal canker sores. However, the ulcers usually point to a bigger underlying problem, which should be diagnosed and treated by a health care professional.
Mouth Rinses & Topical Formulas
Several substances may be used in a mouth rinse to help ease canker sore pain and speed healing. MayoClinic.com suggests diluting salt, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide in water. Sufferers should use warm water and spit out the solution after rinsing. Milk of magnesia may also be used by dabbing it directly on the canker sore a few times daily.
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, naturopathic physician, herbalist and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," recommends applying a solid extract of the botanical licorice, which is soothing and helps heal the mouth's inner lining. Peppermint essential oil may be added to the solid extract, which relieves the pain and inflammation associated with aphthous ulcers.
Vitamin & Mineral Supplementation
Recurrent canker sores may result from nutritional deficiency. Drs. Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, naturopathic physicians and authors of the "Textbook of Natural Medicine" suggest a high-quality multivitamin and mineral formula to help provide the body with the nutrients it needs for the healing and prevention of canker sores. Higher doses of specific nutrients, such as vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc or iron, may be helpful for some if these deficiencies are present. A health care professional, such as a licensed naturopathic doctor, can assist in identifying an individual's nutritional needs.
Therapeutic Diet
Drs. Pizzorno and Murray report that food sensitivities play a significant role in the formation of aphthous ulcers. Identifying and avoiding individual food sensitivities may help prevent future canker sores. Gluten is a primary culprit, even for people who do not have overt celiac disease, and so avoiding all sources of gluten may be helpful in healing the mouth's mucosa. Gluten is a protein in many grains, such as wheat, barely and rye, and it may be avoided by eliminating products from the diet like bread, biscuits, pasta, cakes, pastries and pies.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Canker Sore
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. & Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
