10 factors that may cause canker sores

Free image courtesy of Jon Sullivan

A canker sore is a burning sore or a surface wound that usually develops in the mucous membrane. Sutton’s disease, a painful condition, is characterized by a recurring canker sore. 

Canker sores are usually mistaken for cold sores (fever blisters). Cold sores normally form on the outer lips and the mouth corners. They are caused by the herpes virus. Canker sores, on the other hand, are neither caused by bacteria nor viruses, so antibacterial products and antibiotics do not have any effect against them. 

Canker sores are very common oral problems. They are not contagious and simply go away after seven to ten days without treatment. Be wary of an oral ulceration that is painless; it may be an early form of cancer.

Canker sores are not caused by alcohol and smoking. Their exact causes are not well understood, but here are some factors that are thought to cause them.

1. Citrus fruits. Their acidic juices irritate the lining of the mouth and may lead to canker sores.
2. Spicy foods. They burn the sensitive mucosal lining of the mouth, which can then lead to irritation and the subsequent development of canker sores.
3. Physical trauma. This can be in the form of either severe or mild physical trauma. Unintentional biting, abrasions from brushing, or even eating sharp-edged potato crisps have the potential to slightly wound the soft inner mouth area.
4. Gender. Women have double the probability of developing canker sores than men. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during  menstruation, can greatly trigger the growth of canker sores.
5. Stress. Physical or emotional stresses can weaken the immune system, making the person very prone to developing painful mouth ulcerations. Sudden weight loss and lack of sleep are immune-system detractors. They may bring about canker sores.
6. Age. People in their 20s or during their teenage years get more canker sores than people who are in their 30s and above. The elderly population rarely gets this painful mouth condition.
7. Thermal injury. Burning or scalding the mouth area can increase the possibility of developing canker sores.
8. Underlying diseases. Celiac disease (a hereditary auto-immune disorder), Crohn’s disease, and Behcet disease are just some of the underlying diseases that are associated with canker sores.
9. Toothpaste. The sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in toothpaste dries the mouth tissues. The drying action breaks down the surface protection of the inner lining of the mouth. As the mucosal lining weakens, it becomes more prone to irritation or inflammation.
10. Nutrient deficiency. Deficiencies in folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron are known to make a person susceptible to developing canker sores.