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Canker Sores (Alphthous Ulcers)
About
Painful sores in the mouth. Red in color, although might have a white coating to them. Can be inside the lips, inside the cheeks, base of the gums, or under the tongue. No-one really knows what causes them but is believed can arise from stress, poor nutrition, food allergies, & menstrual periods.
Notes
In many cases of canker sores it has been discovered that the persons toothpaste was the cause. If this is the case, buy a toothpaste that doesn't have detergent sodium lauryl sulfate listed in the contents. This detergent can cause the mucous surfaces in the mouth to become dry, which opens them up to an assault from acidic foods. Never use your toothbrush for more than one month, and if canker sores are present and healing, be sure to use a soft toothbrush only.
Most open sores in the mouth are caused by stress or allergies. Many physicians will prescribe a mouthwash that has tetracycline, which is an antibiotic, to treat canker sores.
Zilactin is a gel-like ointment that is used to treat canker sores. Apply the gel on the actual sore and it will relieve the pain and also keeps the sore free of foods.
Advice
A continual, open sore should be examined by your dentist.
Avoid fish or meat for two weeks as the effects of animal proteins inhibit healing.
Homeopathic remedies often work to get rid of canker sores. A few recommended methods are Echinacea, Borax, and Belladonna.
If you are consuming anything that might contribute to your sores (like gum, mouthwash, lozenges, tobacco, citrus fruits, coffee, etc.), discontinue the use of these.
Keep your body balanced with proper amounts of acidity, alkalinity, and minerals in order to prevent breakouts.
Only take iron supplements if directed by your doctor.
Recurring canker sores may be a sign of nutritional deficiencies.
Since the sulfur in onions can promote healing, incorporate a lot of raw onions into your diet by mixing it in salads.
Soured products like cottage cheese, kefir, buttermilk, and yogurt promote faster healing.
Stay away from processed and refined foods, sugar, and citrus fruits.
Helpful nutrients for this condition.
Acidophilus
Importance:
High
Comments:
Helps keep friendly bacteria in the intestines. High-potency powder form is recommended.
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L-lysine
Importance:
High
Comments:
Lack of L-Lysine sometimes causes break-outs of sores in and around the mouth area. Caution: Lysine should only be taken for a maximum of 6 months.
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Vitamin B complex
Importance:
High
Comments:
Helps keep immune system healthy. Lack of B vitamins can cause mouth sores.
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Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Importance:
High
Comments:
Helps keep immune system healthy. Lack of B vitamins can cause mouth sores. Caution: Refrain from using niacin if you suffer from gout, liver disorder, or high blood pressure.
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Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
Importance:
High
Comments:
Eases stress. Helps with adrenal function.
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Vitamin B12
Importance:
High
Comments:
Lozenge or sublingual form is recommended.
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Folic acid
Importance:
High
Comments:
Lozenge or sublingual form is recommended.
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Vitamin C
Importance:
High
Comments:
Combats infection. Enhances immune function. Buffered form is recommended.
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Zinc
Importance:
Moderate
Comments:
Stimulates immune system. Promotes healing.
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Helpful herbs and supplements for this condition.
Alfalfa
Type:
Internal/External
Purposes:
The following herbs have been used to treat canker sores: alfalfa, calendula, capsicum, comfrey, garlic, and peppermint.
Cautions:
Do not use comfrey internally.
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Burdock, goldenseal, pau d'arco tea, & red clover
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
These herbs have been chosen to clean the bloodstream and reduce the potential for infection.
Cautions:
Use goldenseal only for a period of seven days, then stop. It is best to check with your doctor if you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma. Do not use if you are pregnant.
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Goldenseal extract or Tea Tree Oil
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
Goldenseal extract has become more popular in treating canker sores due to its content of alkaloids berberine & hydrastine which seem to have antibacterial effects against mucous membranes, especially in the mouth. Tea tree oil in 5-15% strengths can be useful as an antiseptic.
Dosage:
Useful as mouthwashes. Use 3-4 drops in water or add a drop or two to your toothpaste. Use alcohol-free goldenseal extract.
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Red Raspberry Tea
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
Red Raspberry has a multitude of names including Bramble, Gauriphal, Reapberry, and Hindberry. The early Americans used it as an astringent. Besides having flavonoids, red raspberry also has alkaloids, organic acids, & Vitamin C, besides other. Its cleaning properties can be useful in treating canker sores.
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Rockrose
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
You might also see this listed as sun rose. If you use this herb as a mouthwash, it can lessen the pain of canker sores and speed up healing.
Wintergreen
Type:
Internal
Purposes:
Wintergreen has been said to reduce the bleeding and inflammation of canker sores when used as a mouthwash. Applying wintergreen oil directly to the canker may also provide temporary pain relief.
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