Five Ways to Prevent Canker Sores

They make it hard to eat, and in some cases even to speak. The pain and sting of a canker sore is no fun. Those annoying little mouth ulcers pop up at the most inconvenient times and show up all too frequently in susceptible individuals. Although they eventually go away on their own without treatment, it can take up to fourteen days for them to make their exit. For frequent sufferers, there are a variety of topical medications available at the drugstore to treat the pain and even a prescription drug called Aphthasol to shorten the duration, but the best treatment of all is prevention. Here’s how to prevent canker sores, or at least reduce their frequency.

To Prevent Canker Sores, Change Your Toothpaste

If you’re getting canker sores often, take a look at your toothpaste. A common ingredient in toothpaste called sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS may be the culprit. Some people are sensitive to this detergent-like ingredient which can dry out the mouth and cause irritation to the delicate mucous membranes. Fortunately, there are a variety of SLS-free toothpastes available. You can find them at most local health food stores and natural food market.

Don’t Brush Too Aggressively

Brushing teeth aggressively can cause trauma to the mucous membranes which increases the risk of painful apthous ulcers. Be a little gentler with that toothbrush and you may be rewarded with fewer canker sores. Canker sores are also more common after dental procedures – but don’t let that stop you from seeing your dentist regularly.

To Prevent Canker Sores, Stay Away From Acidic Foods

Acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits can increase the risk of developing painful canker sores in some people. Studies also suggest that food allergies and sensitivities play a role. To see if this is a problem, keep a food diary for several weeks to see if canker sores occur more often when you eat certain foods. Spicy and salty foods also increase the risk in some individuals.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

Apthous ulcers can be associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies – particularly the B vitamins folate, and zinc. If you’re prone to canker sores, eat a balanced, nutrient rich diet and consider adding a daily multivitamin.

Stress Can Do It Too

Canker sores are more common when a person is run down or under stress. Get adequate rest, eat a healthy diet, and learn more effective tactics for dealing with life’s daily stressors. This is important not only to prevent canker sores, but to reduce the risk of disease in general.  

The bottom line? You may not be able to prevent canker sores entirely, but making these changes could very well reduce their frequency.