Canker sores
Though not serious, canker sores can be so bothersome that they can
cause intense pain when talking, kissing, drinking, and eating. Affecting
women more often than men, these shallow, ulcerated areas appear
singly or in small clusters inside the mouth, and range in size from as tiny
as a pinhead to as large as a quarter. Cankers emerge fairly suddenly and
usually go away within one to three weeks. Fortunately, it is possible to
ease the discomfort they cause.
The prevailing view is that the sores are triggered by stress, which can
cause the body's immune system to overreact to bacteria normally present
in the mouth. Canker sores can also be precipitated by a number of
actions, such as irritating the mouth cavity with a rough filling or a jagged
or chipped tooth or wearing ill-fitting dentures. Maybe you've
unconsciously gnawed the inside of your cheek, used a toothbrush with very
hard bristles, or brushed too vigorously. Occasionally, even eating acidic,
spicy, or salty foods-tomatoes, citrus fruits, hot peppers,
cinnamon,
nuts, or potato chips-can be the initiating factor.
Some experts believe recurring cankers are an allergic reaction to
food preservatives (benzoic acid, methylparaben, or sorbic acid, to
name a few) or to something in a food. They single out gluten, the
protein found in wheat and some other grains, as the most likely offender.
Supplements and herbs
When canker sores erupt, turn to one or more of the following supplements.
First try lysine-a deficiency in this amino acid has been associated with
canker sores. Echinacea strengthens the
immune system, and lower doses
of this herb (200 mg each morning, three weeks a month) may also prevent
cankers from forming. Another immune-booster, vitamin C helps heal the
mouth's mucous membranes; flavonoids are natural compounds that
enhance the effectiveness of this vitamin. Licorice (DGL) wafers coat and
protect sores from irritants and help them heal.
Goldenseal in liquid form
applied directly to the sore also promotes healing. Instead of DGL or
goldenseal, you may want to try zinc lozenges to speed healing and boost
your resistance. People who get canker sores frequently may be deficient
in B vitamins; a daily
vitamin B complex is useful as a preventive.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies can ease the
pain of canker sores, reduce inflammation, and help
the tissues heal.
- Arsenicum album
A person who breaks out in burning, painful mouth
sores, and also feels anxious and tired, is likely to
benefit from this remedy. Hot drinks often ease the pain,
and the person feels best when keeping warm. People
who need this remedy often have unhealthy, easily
bleeding gums, and tend to be extremely neat and
tense.
- Calcarea carbonica
This remedy is often indicated when infants and small
children have recurring canker sores. A child who
needs this remedy may also have head sweats during
sleep, and be slow to teethe or learn to walk. Calcarea
carbonica may help with canker sores in adults who
are chilly, stout, and easily fatigued.
- Hepar sulf.
If a person develops painful mouth sores that become
infected-with pus formation, extreme sensitivity, and
aggravation from cold drinks-this remedy may be
indicated. A person needing Hepar sulph often feels
extremely chilly, vulnerable, and oversensitive.
- Mercurius solubilis
Bleeding gums, a swollen coated tongue, and offensive
breath are seen along with canker sores when this
remedy is needed. The painful, burning sores feel
worse at night, and salivation is profuse, with
drooling during sleep. The person tends to sweat at night
and is very sensitive to any change in temperature.
- Natrum muriaticum
Pearly sores that erupt inside the mouth, especially on
the gums or tongue, may respond to this remedy. The
mouth feels dry, and the tongue may have a tingling
feeling. People who need this remedy often are
troubled by cold sores around the corners of the mouth or
chin, and have chapped or cracking lips. A craving for
salt, strong thirst, and a tendency to feel worse from
being in the sun are other indications for Natrum
muriaticum.
- Nux vomica
A person who needs this remedy may break out in
canker sores after overindulging in sweets, strong
spicy foods, stimulants, or alcoholic beverages. The
sores are often small, and the person may have
swollen gums, a coated tongue, and bloody salivation.
Irritability, impatience, and a general chilliness are
often seen when this remedy is needed.
- Sulphur
This remedy may be helpful for sores that are painful,
red and inflamed, with burning pain that is worse
from warm drinks and aggravated by heat of any
kind. The mouth may have a bitter taste, and the
gums can be swollen and throbbing. A person who
needs this remedy often has reddish lips and mucous
membranes, and a tendency toward itching and skin
irritations.
What else you can do
- Keep your mouth clean and healthy by flossing and brushing your
teeth at least twice a day. Be gentle and use a soft-bristled brush.
- See your dentist if a tooth problem is irritating your mouth.
- Be aware if you're constantly gnawing at the inside of your cheek.
- Don't eat spicy foods if you're prone to recurrent canker sores. Stay
away from coffee and chewing gum, other known irritants.
How much to take
-
- Lysine
- 500 mg L-lysine 3 times a day.
Take on empty stomach; discontinue when sores heal.
- Echinacea
- 200 mg 2 or 3 times a day at first sign of a sore.
Begin with higher dose and reduce as sore heals. As a
preventive, take 200 mg each morning for 3 weeks of each month.
- Vitamin C / Flavonoids
- 1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times a day.
Reduce vitamin C dose if
diarrhea develops.
- Licorice (DGL)
- Chew 1 or 2 deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) wafers (380 mg) 3 or 4 times a day.
Take between meals.
- Goldenseal
- Apply liquid form to the sore 3 times a day.
After application, wait at least an hour before eating.
- Zinc lozenges
- 1 lozenge every 2 hours for 3 or 4 days.
Do not exceed 150 mg zinc a day from all sources.
- Vitamin B complex
- 1 pill each morning with food.
Look for a B-50 complex with 50 mcg
vitamin
B12 and
biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 50 mg of all other B vitamins.
For kids
|