Can they be avoided? If you’re lucky, you’ve never even wondered. Some people get them, some people don’t. No one knows why for certain, but recent research indicates that canker sores may result from injury to the soft tissue of the mouth in those who are susceptible. By avoiding injury it may be possible to avoid the recurrence of those nasty, little ulcers that doctors call aphthous stomatitis. Whatever they’re called, they can make for a miserable week or two.
In a study conducted at the National Institute of Dental Research, thirty patients who had suffered from canker sores over periods ranging from five to fifty-five years were tested along with fifteen volunteers who had never had them. After local anesthesia was administered, small puncture would were made in their mouths. Of the susceptible group, thirteen developed canker sores. None of the controls did.
The troublemakers in daily life that might be responsible include hard-bristle toothbrushes, toothpicks, sharp utensils, and hard or sharp-edged foods like peanut brittle. Nuts seem to be a prime offender, but whether as a result of biting down hard on them or because of possible allergy is unclear. Too vigorous dental flossing can cause minor cuts, too. The National Institute researchers also suggest that deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid may lead to injured tissue.
A healthy diet and tender loving dental care are the best means, currently advised, for preventing canker sores.
Robin Westen writes for national magazines about health.
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