Photo by Azamat Zhanisov on Unsplash
Canker sores are the worst. If you have ever had one, you know exactly what I am talking about. If you have never had one, go try and win the lottery because clearly, you have incredible luck. Okay, I may be acting a little overdramatic here.
According to Washington Periodontics, canker sores are “small lesions that form at the base of the gums or on the soft tissues of the mouth. They can cause pain as well as difficulty eating and speaking.”
There is some uncertainty as to what causes canker sores, but there are some things that are definite risk factors.
Diet
It seems that every type of food can cause some sort of harm to your body. Acidic foods seem to be a culprit of causing canker sores. The acid in the food can make the injury worse if it is already present as well.
Even fruits and vegetables can be at fault if they are acidic. While this is not a for sure cause and effect situation, this is just another reason to be careful about the food you intake. In terms of oral health, acidic foods are not good your teeth either. Maybe just avoid them…
Stress
Stress can be the cause or at least a contributor to just about any medical problem. Stress can cause your body’s immune system to be weakened or compromised. In this case, if you are overly stressed, that may not necessarily cause the canker sore, but it can very easily make it easier for the sore to form.
As a general rule for your overall health, you need to find times to relax. Do things to help you stay calm and relieve the burdens of life. If you can’t do so, you will constantly be battered with illness and infirmity. Find a good outlet for stress relief, every aspect of your health will benefit.
Allergies
Allergies are nobody’s friend. Allergies to food or medication can cause sores to break out. Similar to stress, allergies may not be the actual cause, but the reaction to allergens may cause your body to react poorly.
Be aware of what you put into your body. Some people with allergies don’t seem to care if they intake those substances that they are allergic to. Other people are just unaware that they have a certain allergy. Take note if your body reacts poorly to food or medication, and ask a doctor if you have concerns.
Mouth Injuries
This one makes the most sense. If your body is injured, an infection can occur. If you cut the inside of your mouth, from braces, chewing on hard or sharp substances, or biting your mouth hard enough can cause an injury that may lead to a sore forming.
Brushing your teeth too hard can even cause problems and potential for sores to form. It is important to use a good toothbrush and toothpaste and good oral hygiene practices to maintain good oral health, including the prevention of injury.
Conclusion
It is kind of frustrating that there aren’t more sure causes of canker sores. It would be nice to know what definitely needs to be avoided. By keeping these factors in mind, you can at least understand some of the things to watch out for. Canker sores are the worst, do your best to avoid them!