Ask Dr. Sue

CARE FOR CANKER SORES


 Dear Dr. Sue,

My son gets canker sores several times a year. I'd like to know what they are, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them faster once they start.

 

Dear Parent,

Canker sores (or apthous ulcers) are painful ulcers that occur inside the mouth, most often on the inside of the cheeks and lips, and often where this lining joins the gumline.  It is not clear what causes them, though dermatological researchers are still trying to find out.  They may be yet another case of a person's immune system going awry and attacking parts of their own body.  Many people seem to get canker sores when they have another illness, which lends support to this mechanism.  It's possible that they actually have different causes in different people, or even in different outbreaks in the same person.  Other causes that have been proposed include an allergy to some of the normal mouth bacteria, a reaction to certain foods, physical trauma caused by brushing, and even hormonal changes in the case of cyclical canker sores in women.

When canker sores are present, it's wise to avoid spicy foods, acidic foods like orange juice, and abrasive, salty things like potato chips.  Unfortunately, there is nothing that I know of that will help canker sores go away faster.  Usually they resolve on their own within two weeks.  There is no specific way to prevent them, either, though doing what you can to minimize the number of illnesses your son has may help, and certainly offers other benefits!  (You know the basics; he should eat right, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, get lots of exercise and wash his hands frequently.)  There has been speculation in some sources that toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate may contribute to the development of canker sores in susceptible people.  It wouldn't hurt to try a natural toothpaste without this ingredient to see if it made a difference.

About 20 % of people get canker sores occasionally, so it is generally not a cause for concern. Anyone who gets them frequently, though, should have a thorough history and physical done, since they can be increased in certain diseases involving the immune system.

 

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