5 Ways to Avoid or Alleviate Canker Sores, Experts’ Advice

Few minor health conditions are as irritating as a canker sore, an open wound, or a small white ulcer circled by a "red halo" that itches or prickles and aches when we eat or simply swallow.

According to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry assistant professor, Sarah Glass, DDS, the main "cause of canker sore" can vary according to the person who has it.

Developing on the tongue or inside the cheek or lip, canker sores are usually more typically occurring in women than in men.

They can lead to an unintended bite or another oral ordeal, although tension, hormonal changes, allergies, as well as inadequacies in nutrients can bring them on, too.

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5 Effective Ways

Even though canker sores appear similar to cold sores, both conditions are totally different. Cold sores are results of a virus and are infectious, while unfortunately, canker is not spreadable. 

Essentially, if an ulcer stays longer than 14 days, experts advise that one sees a doctor. It may have turned infected or be one of the symptoms of a more serious disease like "celiac disease, Crohn's disease," or even oral cancer.

Here are 5 ways to avoid canker sores and what you should do if there is such an occurrence:

1. Be Conscious of Your Diet

If you're not getting adequate B vitamins, iron, and zinc, you are more likely to get canker sores. Eat ample amounts of whole grains and produce, and fill your tummy with rainbow trout and B12-rich fish-like salmon, among others. 

You should also limit your intake of spicy and acidic foods as they may trigger sores. According to Case Western Reserve Univesity School of Dental Medicine associate professor, Leena Palomo, DDS, it is ideal for monitoring when the sores appear and "note foods that may have coincided with such occurrence" so you can eliminate triggers which are particular to you.

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2. Do Some Meditation

Also, according to Palomo, stress is believed to boost the leukocyte's activity, immune cells associated with inflammation within the body which includes the mouth, "than can trigger a canker sore."

The expert's advice is to "decompress regularly" with your favorite chill activity, such as meditation, yoga exercise. Even simply getting a night of sound sleep at night can help you get rid of canker sores.

3. Brush Your Teeth Gently

A slip of your toothbrush handle while you forcefully brush your teeth can lead to jabbing the chip or lip with the brush's hard part. 

According to Glass, brushing one can prevent canker sores from occurring if he brushes his teeth "with small circular motions."

4. Rinse Repeatedly

Gargle using a solution of a tablespoon of baking soda and half-a-cup of warm water to alleviate the pain and accelerate healing.

You may also consider buying an over-the-counter solution with hydrogen peroxide content to ensure frequently clean ulcers. It will also help if you drink water all day for favorable saliva production, which hinders bacteria and viruses.

5. Consult Your Doctor

If you are experiencing chronic or severe chronic sores, the best thing to do is consult with your doctor. He can prescribe corticosteroids to help dampen soreness that leads them to flare.

If the severe condition does not improve, you may ask about cauterization. This is a procedure in which your dentist or doctor uses a chemical agent or laser to burn the ulcer.

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