Other names for Canker Sores

Aphthous ulcers
Mouth ulcers
Mucosal ulcers
Oral ulcers
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Synopsis of Canker Sores

Canker sores, medically known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. They are non-contagious and typically painful, especially when eating or talking. Canker sores usually heal on their own within 7–14 days, but frequent or severe cases may signal underlying health issues like nutritional deficiencies, stress, or autoimmune conditions.

The exact cause is often unknown, though factors like trauma, hormonal changes, stress, or immune responses can trigger outbreaks. They are distinct from cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and appear outside the mouth.

Types:

• Minor aphthous ulcers: Small, oval, and heal without scarring (most common).

• Major aphthous ulcers: Larger, deeper, may take weeks to heal and can scar.

• Herpetiform ulcers: Multiple small ulcers that may merge, resembling herpes sores but not caused by the herpes virus.

Common Causes (Risk Factors):

• Oral trauma: Biting the inside of the mouth, dental work, braces.

• Stress: Emotional stress weakens immune function, triggering outbreaks.

• Nutrient deficiencies: Low B12, iron, folate, or zinc.

• Hormonal fluctuations: Menstrual cycle changes may trigger sores.

• Food sensitivities: Acidic or spicy foods, gluten intolerance.

• Immune dysregulation: Autoimmune conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

• Allergies: Reaction to toothpaste ingredients (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate).

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Severe pain or difficulty eating.

• Secondary bacterial infections in the ulcer.

• Frequent recurrences: May indicate underlying nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune issues.

• Scarring: In major ulcers.

• Fatigue or weight loss: In cases associated with systemic conditions.

When to See a Doctor or Specialist (Dentist, Immunologist):

• Ulcers lasting more than three weeks.

• Severe pain interfering with eating or speaking.

• Frequent recurrences (several episodes per year).

• Large ulcers or spreading sores.

• Associated systemic symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or rash.

Natural remedies for Canker Sores

Saltwater Rinse: Promotes healing and reduces bacterial load. Mix 1 teaspoon salt in warm water and rinse several times daily.

Baking Soda Rinse: Neutralizes acidity and soothes mucosal tissue. Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda in warm water and rinse.

Aloe Vera Gel (Topical): Soothes irritated tissue and supports healing. Apply pure gel directly to the sore.

Honey (Topical): Antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Apply a thin layer to the ulcer several times daily.

Zinc Lozenges or Supplements: Supports immune function and tissue repair. Supplement under guidance.

Vitamin B Complex (B12, Folate): Corrects deficiencies that may trigger outbreaks. Supplement if deficient.

Probiotics: Support oral and gut microbiota, reduce recurrence of ulcers. Include fermented foods or supplements.

Licorice Root (DGL Form, Topical): Anti-inflammatory, helps heal mucosal tissue. Apply DGL extract directly to sores.

Chamomile Tea Rinse: Anti-inflammatory, soothes oral tissue and reduces pain. Use cooled tea as a mouth rinse.

Avoid Trigger Foods (Acidic, Spicy): Reduces irritation and allows faster healing. Identify personal triggers.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Canker Sores

Acacia
Acemannan
Achyranthes
Agastache
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anamu
Ardisia
Arisaema
ash
aster root
Asteraceae
avens
bacteria
bai ji
balsam
bamboo
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
basil
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
bee products
bee propolis
bermuda grass
betel
bicarbonate
Bidens pilosa
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black galingale
black nightshade
blackberry
blackboard tree
blackthorn
bloodroot
blue flag
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borneol
boxthorne
buckthorn
bасора
cajuput
Calendula
capillary artemisia
capsaicin
carvacrol
Celosia
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysophanics
Cistus
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
clove
coconut
coconut milk
Collinsonia
commiphora
copaiba oil
Coptis chinensis
corktree
cowherb
curcumin
curry leaf
David\'s milkberry
Dianthus
divi-divi
dog rose
dragonhead
Eclipta
Embelia
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
Eupolyphaga sinensis
European Elder
European five-finger grass
fang-feng
ferula assafoetida
Ficus simplicissima
Flueggea suffruticosa
folate
frankincense
Fuchsia
Galangal
gallotannin
giant blazingstar
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
Glycolic acid
Gnaphalium
Guava
Guazuma ulmifolia
heal-all
Helicteres isora
henna
Herb Robert
herbal blend (proprietary)
honey
Horsemint
horseradish
Huang hua
hyacinth bean
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian kinotree
Indian nightshade
indigo leaves
iridoid glycosides
labrador tea
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactoperoxidase
Lebbek
Ledebouriella
lemon
lemongrass
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
lime
Litsea
little ironweed
lodhtree
long pepper
luffa
Lysimachia
lysozyme
Macaranga indica
magnesium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
manzanita
marigold
Marjoram
Matapalo Tree
Matico
Melia
Menthol oil
Milk
Mineral ascorbate
Momordica
Morinda
Mustard
mustard seed
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Naphthoquinones
Nardostachys
Neem tree
Nimbidin
nut grass
Nutmeg
Oak
omega-3 fatty acids
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Orris
Osha
Oxystelma
pagoda tree
Pansit-pansitan
papaya
Papayotin
Paris polyphylla
parsley
Patrinia
paw paw
Pentatropis capensis
Pepper
Peppermint
Petiveria
Phyllanthus
Physalis angulata
pineapple
Piper nigrum
Plantago
plantain
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
Portulaca
Premna
Propolis
Prunus
Pyrrosia
Quisqualis
resin
rhizome
Rhus coriaria
rose
Rubus
rue
sage
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sanguisorba
Scabrous Gentian
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
Sesbania
sheep's sorrel
Sichuan Lovage
Sicklepod
siler root
Sinapis arvensis
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Smartweed
Snakeroot
Solanum indicum
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Sphaeranthus indicus
Spilanthes
spruce
squawvine
Stereospermum
Sumac
Sweet Bay
Tagetes
Tamaricaceae
Tamarind
Tansy
Terpenoids
thyme
Thymol
Thymus
Trichosanthes
Triphala
typhonium
Varuna
Viola
Violet
vitamin B12
vitamin C
Water Pepper
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yellow root
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
zanthoxylum
Zinc
Zingiberene