Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores in your mouth. These lesions usually go away without treatment within two weeks, according to MayoClinic.com, but certain foods can make them worse. They are easily affected by what you eat because of their location, and things containing citrus acid will aggravate the sores.
Definition
Canker sores develop at the base of your gums and other areas inside of your mouth, according to MayoClinic.com. These shallow ulcers differ from cold sores because they are not contagious and do not develop outside the mouth, but they often impair eating and talking because of their location. Canker sores usually heal on their own within seven to 14 days, although you may need to seek medical attention for very large lesions or sores that do not disappear within two weeks.
Citric Acid
Citric acid worsens existing canker sores and may cause you to develop more. This acid is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. Avoid eating these items while suffering from canker sores, and do not drink juices made from citrus fruits, or you may delay the healing process and trigger a a worse outbreak of sores.
Other Foods
Foods containing citric acid are not the only problematic items for canker sore sufferers. Some people are sensitive to certain food items, such as coffee, chocolate, eggs, strawberries, cheese, pineapple and nuts, according to MayoClinic.com. Dry foods that are crunchy and sharp can also cut your mouth and cause sores, and salty items can make the pain worse.
Other Causes
Many people can eat foods containing citric acid and other common triggers without getting canker sores. This medical problem appears to have a genetic component, according to MayoClinic.com, so some people have a natural tendency to develop these mouth ulcers. Canker sores also come from injuries like accidentally biting the inside of your mouth, getting hit in the mouth or getting cut or scraped during dental work. Additional causes include painkillers, such aspirin and ibuprofen, and lack of certain dietary nutrients, such as iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B.
Treatment
Stop eating and drinking citrus fruits and juices if you develop canker sores, and avoid crunchy, sharp or spicy foods. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush carefully to avoid touching the ulcers. MayoClinic.com advises putting ice or a paste made from baking soda and water onto the lesions to soothe them. Milk of magnesia is also safe for topical application to help the sores heal more quickly. Purchase an over-the-counter numbing gel if the pain is particularly bad.
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