Prevent Canker Sores With Good Dental Hygiene

Jun 7, 2010
Harriet Cooper

Canker Sore or Mouth Ulcer - Matsuyuki

While canker sores are benign and do not lead to cancer, they are painful while they last. Proper oral hygiene can decrease the chance of getting one.

Canker sores (aphthous ulcer) are painful, open lesions that are white or yellow, surrounded by a bright red area. They can appear on any inner surface of the mouth, including the cheeks, lips and tongue as well as the soft palate and base of the gum. Although painful, these sores are benign and cannot turn into cancer.

Common Causes of Canker Sores

Canker sores are generally caused by viral infections and are a common form of mouth ulcer. They are more common in women than men because of hormonal differences, and susceptibility to them can run in families. While they may occur at any age, their first appearance is often between the ages of 10 and 40.

Canker sores can be triggered by a variety of things:

problems with the body's immune (defense) system don't allow the body to fight off the virus
an open area in the mouth due to dental work, overly aggressive tooth cleaning or biting the tongue or cheek can give the virus an entrance into the mouth
a sharp tooth or sharp dental appliance such as braces or bridgework may abrade the surface of the mouth
emotional stress can decrease the body's ability to cope with viruses
certain diseases including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, Behcet's disease increase susceptibility
dietary deficiencies, particularly iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B-12 can also impact the body's immune system
menstrual periods and hormonal changes
a sensitivity to sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient found in some toothpastes and mouth rinses
food allergies and sensitivity, particularly to foods high in acid such as pineapple. Other foods that may cause cankers include chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, and cheese.

Proper Dental Hygiene Helps Reduce the Occurrence of Cankers

The best way to avoid cankers is not to give the virus a toe-hold in the mouth. Treating the mouth and teeth properly can help reduce the chances of getting a canker.

Use a properly sized toothbrush. A toothbrush that is too big or has overly hard bristles is more likely to cause gum and cheek damage while brushing. Any scrape in the mouth gives the canker virus a route into the body.
Get an electric toothbrush with an indicator that signals overly aggressive brushing.
Watch the type of fluid that goes into the mouth. Acidic drinks, like fruit juices or carbonated beverages, can cause periodontal disease that can allow access for bacteria and viruses. Using a straw decreases the amount of contact the acid has with teeth and gums, so the liquid is less likely to cause mouth irritation.
Cut down on very spicy food that can irritate the lining of the mouth.
Avoid sharp food, like potato chips, that can tear the lining of the mouth or gum and create an opening for the virus.
Have a dentist smooth out any sharp teeth or dental appliances.

Although proper oral hygiene can reduce the occurrence of cankers, it may not stop them all. Once a canker appears, there are treatments to help with the pain and speed the healing process.

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