Canker Sores

[Verità]

So...this is gross. But here goes, I guess.

I've been having a serious issue with canker sores lately. I get them frequently (about 2-3 times a month), and they are large, and pretty painful. They usually get all swollen as well, and the last one was so bad it actually left a scar in my mouth. Part of what confuses me is that I have great oral hygiene. I brush, floss, and rinse with Listerine twice a day, and I haven't had a cavity in about 6 years.

Is there any way I can prevent them, or at least keep them from getting so large and painful? I use an oral gel, but it usually only works for about an hour before I'm in pain again, and eating becomes extremely difficult. The whole thing is just really unpleasant.

[Incompris]

They can be caused by several things even if you have great oral hygiene.

B12 deficiency is one of them. Try taking some B12 supplements. I take B12 and now I don't get canker sores.

Another cause can be biting your cheeks, whether you do that consciously or unconsciously. I know some people do it in their sleep. I don't know how you can stop doing that. Wear a mouth guard at night or something.

[Kate*]

Vitamin C will also help them heal, but I know things with vitamin C in them can sting. Try swishing warm salt water in your mouth to help with the pain and healing.

[youbetheanchor]

I get them pretty frequently as well. What I do is use Anbesol, which will totally numb it for a bit. Try and catch them early and since it's numb you won't subconsciously irritate it.

Hope that helped!

[escape_thereal_world]

Canker sores are still mostly a mystery

But things like fruit (pineapples, apple, lemons, oranges, etc) can cause them. Along with B12 deficiency , it could be zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiencies. Your doctor could help you determine why you are getting them so often. It's common to get them 3-4 times a year, but more than that is a bit unusual and usually there will be an underlying cause.

I would suggest speaking to your dentist, because s/he can prescribe medicines to help relieve the pain and swelling. If that is not an option you want to do, then try warm water with salt.