5 Things You Need to Know About Aphthous Ulcers

1. Down in the Mouth

Most of us have likely gotten those annoying white sores in our mouths, either on the inside of our lips or along our gums. These small ulcerations are called aphthous ulcers, or mouth or canker sores. These small, crater-like ulcers can be painful, the degree of pain relative to whether the sore is minor or major. Sores in the lining of the mouth that come back repeatedly are called recurrent alphthous stomatitis (RAS). At any given time, about one in five people in the United States have canker sores.

2. Origin Unknown

It has yet to be determined exactly why canker sores form. They are not caused by viruses or bacteria. Many believe it is a reaction of our own immune system. For unknown reasons, our bodies react to unrecognizable microorganisms in our mouths and send white blood cells (lymphocytes) to fight these substances, resulting in alphthous ulcers that form on the inside of our cheeks and lips and along the gum lines. Stress, other illnesses, food allergies, hormonal changes, some drugs and any laceration or abrasion to the lining of the mouth can cause canker sores.

3. Other Possible Causes of Canker Sores to Chew On

Canker sores have been linked to some gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn's disease. Not being able to digest certain foods and the formation of alphthous ulcers has also been seen. Smoking can lead to mouth ulcers, so can the wearing of dentures. Women seem to develop canker sores more than men because of the hormonal changes brought on by menstruation (some women report getting no canker sores when they are pregnant). Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin C and most of the B vitamins as well as calcium, zinc, iron and folic acid) and genetics also can play a part when it comes to alphthous ulcers.

4. Shutting Your Mouth When it Comes to Some Foods and Mouthwash

Canker sores are sensitive. Avoid spicy, salty or acidic foods and drinks as these can be irritating when you have one or more ulcerations. Brush your teeth carefully. Toothbrush bristles that can stab or scrape against the sores can be painful. Some studies have suggested that the use of toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent, can lead to a drying out of oral tissues that might be a cause of canker sores, so avoid any such oral products if you already have any sores.

5. Several Roads Leading to a Sore-free Mouth

Treatment for canker sores varies. Anti-inflammatory, steroidal mouth rinses can be prescribed, as can rinses that contain an antibiotic. Numbing ointments such as benzocaine can help with pain and sensitivity. If the canker sores are the result of an illness, such as lupus, then treatment of that disease can indirectly treat the canker sores. Home remedies include applying a water and baking soda mix directly to the sores, or rinsing the mouth with a half-and-half mixture of milk of magnesia and Benadryl.