Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful mouth ulcers that appear suddenly, either singly or in groups of two or three. They can easily be confused with cold sores. Canker sores are white ulcers with a red rim that most commonly form just inside the lips or cheeks. They burn and tingle, especially when eating spicy or acidic foods. They will generally heal up within one to two weeks without treatment, but longer if they are particularly large. Recurrences are common with abnormally high stress levels, or as a reaction to certain foods.
Causes
Some people are predisposed to recurring mouth ulcers. The process causing them is unknown, although it is probably linked to an abnormal immune response that has been triggered by a deficiency, physical trauma, stress or excessive fatigue. Their appearance or recurrence is generally a symptom of nutritional deficiency. They often occur secondary to anaemia, when the nutrients B12, folic acid or iron are lacking. A small injury is often a trigger for ulcers (such as following dental treatment), as is an altered oral flora after antibiotic treatment. Stress and food sensitivities will also precipitate ulcers. Foods that are particularly common are highly acidic fruits and sweets, especially chocolate.
Dietary modification
Gluten sensitivity is linked to mouth ulcers in some and, for these people, gluten avoidance seems to mostly eliminate the problem. Other food sensitivities or allergies may also precipitate mouth ulcers, in which case treating allergies or avoiding the allergens may be a key component to resolving the problem.
General dietary advice would include increasing consumption of green, leafy vegetables and whole grains for their B complex vitamins, which help the body deal with stress – a common trigger in the development of mouth ulcers. Daily consumption of probiotic-rich plain yoghurt has been shown to shorten the healing time by providing healthy bacteria in the oral cavity (Alternatively – and especially in the case of dairy sensitivity – a probiotic supplement can be used). Sugary sweets, coffee, citrus fruits, meats and anything that produces acids should be avoided.
Lifestyle modification
Minor trauma from poor-fitting dentures, rough fillings, or braces can aggravate mouth ulcers and should be remedied by a dentist. Several reports have found sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), a component of most commercial toothpastes, to be a potential cause of mouth ulcers. SLS is thought to increase the risk of ulcers by removing a protective coating (mucin) in the mouth. Positive effects of eliminating SLS have been confirmed in double-blind research. It would therefore make sense for people with recurrent ulcers to use an SLS-free toothpaste for several months to see if the change helps e.g. Green People organic toothpastes, Georganics.
Nutritional supplement treatment options
Iron and vitamin B12 – Studies have found a surprisingly high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent mouth ulcers.
Supplementing daily with B vitamins, including Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12 may provide some people with relief.
Mouthwashing with P5P (activated vitamin B6) will often very quickly resolve an acute ulcer.
Zinc deficiency has also been linked with recurrent mouth ulcers and supplementation has been found to reduce recurrences by 50 to 100%.
Probiotics – some people may respond to topical and/or oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Aqueous Colloidal Silver in the form of a mouthwash can also be very effective in eliminating ulcers; due to its natural antimicrobial effect and ability to boost immunity. It is best used after teeth brushing.
Botanical treatment options
A mixture of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) and warm water may shorten the healing time for mouth ulcers. The DGL mixture is made by combining 200 mg of powdered DGL and 200 ml of warm water. It should be swished in the mouth twice daily for two to three minutes and spat out.
A gel containing the aloe vera polysaccharide acemannon, applied 4 x daily, has been found to speed the healing of mouth ulcers better than conventional treatments.
Because of its soothing effect on mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth) and its healing properties, chamomile may be a good option for mouth ulcers, in the form of a strong tea.
Goldenseal has also been used historically as a mouthwash to help heal mouth ulcers.
Myrrh has a long history of use for mouth and gum irritations.
Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of mouth ulcers. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then spat out. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, periwinkle, burdock root, red clover, red raspberry and witch hazel. (Witch hazel is actually approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth).
Additional remedies:
Place 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds in 1 cup cold water. After six hours, bring to a boil and strain immediately. When cooled to lukewarm, add 1 tsp. honey. Use to gargle and swallow a little.
If you’ve found this post helpful, you may also like:
Sussex Health: What Causes Anaemia?
Sussex Health: How to Avoid Cold Sores
Sussex Health: Treating Thrush (Candida infection)
Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates, DO, DIBAK, L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio Ltd. Copyright © Pure Bio Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Pure Bio Ltd are a leading UK supplier of the highest quality PURE nutritional supplements, based in Horsham, West Sussex.
Proud Winners of Southern Enterprise Awards, Best Nationwide Hypoallergenic Nutritional Supplements Distributor 2022 and 2023. Visit www.purebio.co.uk for all your nutritional supplement needs.
