What are the causes of canker sores and how to prevent them?

Most people have, at some point, been confronted with the uncomfortable presence of Lily of the valley . Although they are quite common, they still cause displeasure whenever they are seen.

And these little sores that appear on the mouth They are capable of causing severe pain and burning for a few days so much so that everyday actions like eating, drinking hot liquids or talking can become torture.

Recognizing them is not too complex: they have a whitish color, while their edge is red. They are sometimes confused with cold sores, however, they appear outside the mouth, while canker sores appear inside the cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth or base of the gums.

As highlighted Mayo Clinic these wounds They cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Until now their origin has not yet been completely elucidated, but it has been identified that some of the factors that could trigger them are:

• Small injuries in the mouth following dental procedures.
• Excessive tooth brushing.
• Cheek bites.
• Sensitivity to foods like chocolate, coffee and cheese.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes during menstruation.
• Toothpaste and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient.

From the portal they also point out that canker sores could occur when the patient suffers from certain pathologies, such as:

• Crohn’s disease, a condition in which parts of the digestive tract become inflamed.
• Celiac disease, a disease that damages the inner lining of the small intestine.
• HIV and AIDS.
• Faulty immune system, which damages healthy cells in the mouth instead of bacteria.
• Behçet’s disease, a disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the blood vessels.

As pediatrician Rachel S. Schare explains on the site ChildrenHealth These lesions can appear at any stage of life, although they are more common after the age of 10.

Of course, women seem more likely to suffer from it. “Doctors believe that this may be due to differences between male and female hormones, especially because women generally develop them at certain times of the menstrual cycle,” explains the professional.

Although there are certain factors that cause thrush and cannot be avoided, such as pathologies, others can be controlled. In this case, you must be vigilant with the following, details Mayo Clinic:

• Be careful what you eat, as some foods cause mouth irritation. Among them are chips, nuts and oranges.
• Avoid foods that cause allergies.
• Practice proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth daily, avoiding mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, and opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush.

In the event that the canker sores are larger than usual and cause numerous burns, in addition to appearing repeatedly, it is essential to consult a specialist.