why do people get canker sores??
463100
It's a virus that can be picked up in many public places . . . handles of shopping carts is a good place.  If they become persistent, see a doctor for medication.  If it is just a once-in-a-while incident, there are some good over-the-counter medicines that can help with the pain while healing.  It takes time . . . just like a cold sore.
939408
A canker sore is like a wound, so it can get infected. There are glands in your neck (lymph nodes) that release antibodies to fight infection. In my experience, it gets sore similar to  the feeling of a stiff neck or when I slept the wrong way, when it is overworked. Once for a mysterious infection, I had to take antibiotics for two weeks and my neck felt sore all the time. Maybe your lymph node is just overworked from fighting off an infection in your canker sore. Afterall, the mouth is a pretty nasty place. Ask your doctor or dentist to prescribe you something.
470726
A whole cascade of events occurs with your immune system that involves something called inflammation (blood and other products rush to the wound and try to attack the invading bacteria and germs, and release chemicals). It's actually a very complicated process. You'll get swelling, reddness, heat and pain to the area, and it's our immune system doing it's job. Then a healing phase occurs. The mouth has unique bacteria and a human bite is one of the worse bites in the world and you should get it treated ASAP. Many people recover without a problem but the condition is undertreated. I've seen really bad bone infections (osteomyelitis), joint necrosis, and two finger amputations because patients got treated too late...
306047
One of the previous persons that posted was somewhat correct.  \n\nCold sores are believed to be caused by Herpes simplex 1 (HSV 1)and Genital herpes is believed to be caused by Herpes simplex 2 (HSV 2)-- however, both HSV 1 and HSV 2 can cause herpes lesions on both the lips or genitals.  \n\n This can occur in oral-genital contact with a person with an active lesion (which is visible) or a person who is about to get a lesion--which is sometimes impossible to tell.  \n\nAlso remember,  if a person with cold sore touch their genitals without properly washing their hands they can transmit the virus to the genital area.\n\n(Another reason to wash hands!!!)\n\nYep--genital to oral 'activity' can cause sexually transmission of diseases.\n\nBe informed to stay healthy!!!!
882736
It may be from the acid in the tomatoes. I used to get canker sores [mouth ulcers] from eating them. It was caused from my body overreacting to the added acid. I changed my diet to a less acidy intake, and can now eat them.
837866
Canker sores (apthous ulcers) are not found on the gum, but on the loose skin of the lips and cheeks. There is no known cause, although there have been many suggestions, including a reaction to the lauryl sulfate found in most toothpastes.\nThe most effective treatment is a topical corticosteroid ointment in a waterproof base such as Kenalog in Orabase. Antibiotics or antiseptics have no effect.
101959
each person is different, but common cause will be not taking proper care of teeth ... some food ingredients will also cause it ( ideally brushing is recommended after every meal)
81127
This may sound goofy, but you may want to rule out a dental infection/problem.  They can often cause body aches, lethargy, etc.  Be sure to see your dentist.
1056646
Canker sores are generally caused by your body's pH being too alkaline.  Vitamin C is an acid and will reduce the pH to normal levels, just take normal doses and you'll see results in about two days, sometimes less if you've had the sores a few days prior to beginning treatment.\n\nCreams and balsm just take the edge off the pain but don't do much more than that.  Avoid any home remedies such as placing honey on it, or gargling with vinegar as that will irritate the sore and make matters worse.\n\nOnce iItried this I added a vitamin C tablet to my morning routine and no more canker sores!
73675
I honestly have no idea, when I quit smoking I never had that problem. It probanly has to do with the concept of nicotine withdrawl, you running really low on it, and your body is tring to cope with it, which increases stress (when i quit, i got extremly mad over really stupid stuff), and stress is a common trigger of canker sores (HSV Type 1). Other than that, smoking is bad for the tissue on your mouth, it can cause mouth cancer, just like chewing can, and your body might just be fighting off some irratants in your mouth, which again causes stress.
693424
According to the ADA (American Dental Association) there are plenty of things that can cause them such as bacterial, viral or fungal infections. A loose orthodontic wire, a denture that doesn't fit, or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling may also be the culprit. Mouth sores may be symptoms of a disease or disorder. A dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Most common mouth sores are Canker sores.  unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth. And, they are not contagious. Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved. Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore.  A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible. \nTreating Canker Sores: They usually heal on their own after a week or two, but an outbreak may occur. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporary relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore.  Antibiotics and some oral bandages can reduce secondary infection.
975632
I know how bad you must be hurting- so found this info for you.... hope it helps/..\n\n\nCanker sores are shallow, painful sores in your mouth. They are usually red or may sometimes have a white coating over them. You might get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. Canker sores are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.\n\nAnyone can get canker sores, but women people in their teens and 20s get them more often. Canker sores may run in families, but they aren't contagious. Doctors don't know what causes canker sores, but they may be triggered by stress, poor nutrition, food allergies and menstrual periods.\n\nCanker sores usually go away without any treatment. For pain relief, you can try taking ibuprofen (brand name: Advil) or acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol). Other medicines, such as Anbesol, Oragel, Orabase and Zilactin-B, might keep your canker sores from becoming irritated by eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. You put these medicines right on the sore.\n\nYou can also mix equal amounts of Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl Allergy liquid. After it's mixed, you can swish a teaspoonful in your mouth for about 1 minute and then spit it out. If you do this every 4 to 6 hours, your canker sores may hurt less.\n\nSome people think that sucking on zinc lozenges, taking vitamin C or vitamin B complex, using a sage-and-chamomile mouthwash or taking a lysine supplement helps their canker sores heal faster.
573904
The exact cause of mouth ulcers is unknown, but in some cases they are thought to be caused by an overreaction by the body's own immune system. Factors that appear to provoke them include stress, fatigue, illness, injury from accidental biting, hormonal changes, menstruation, food allergies and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid. Some drugs, such as nicorandil, have been linked with mouth ulcers.\n\nMouth ulcers are thought to form when the body becomes aware of and attacks chemicals which it does not recognize. The presence of the unrecognized molecules garners a reaction by the lymphocytes, which trigger a reaction that causes the damage of a mouth ulcer.\n\nTrauma to the mouth is a common cause of mouth ulcers. Physical trauma, such as toothbrush abrasion, poking with sharp food, accidental biting, or dental braces can cause mouth ulcers by breaking the mucous membrane. Other factors, such as chemical irritants or thermal injury, may also lead to the development of ulcers. However in many cases, the precise cause is unknown.\n\nA common cause of ulcers is gluten intolerance, in which case consumption of wheat, rye, or barley can result in chronic mouth ulcers. If gluten intolerance is the cause, prevention means taking most breads, pastas, cakes, pies, cookies, scones, biscuits, beers etc. out of the diet and substituting gluten-free varieties where available. Artificial sugars, such as those found in diet cola and sugarless gum, have been reported as causes of mouth ulcers as well.\n\nOther disorders can cause mouth ulcers, including oral thrush, leukoplakia, gingivostomatitis, and oral lichen planus. Mouth ulcers are also associated with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease (gluten sensitivity), bullous pemphigoid, and Behçet's disease. Repeat episodes of mouth ulcers can also be indicative of an immunodeficiency, signalling low levels of immunoglobulin in the mucous membrane of the mouth. Chemotherapy is a common cause of mouth ulcers. The treatment depends on the believed cause.\n\nA common urban myth is that mouth ulcers are directly connected to the onset of the herpes simplex virus, but in reality ulcers associated with herpes (or cold sores) are of an entirely different nature from mouth ulcers, which are not contagious.
1077226
cold sores in the mouth are a form of herpes, herpes simplex two actually.  Stress and anxiety make this problem worse and so do certain foods.  There is no cure but there may be things you can avoid to make them come along less frequently.
703710
They are cased by the herpes simplex virus (NOT related to the STD herpes.)  They can be caused by the virus alone or by biting the side of your mouth, or even when it's really cold outside and your lips are exposed. the best cures for them are medications such as "Herpacin" and "Abreva"
140818
Lysine will help you a great deal with these.\n\nWatch out for acidic foods and chocolate. Chocolate has Argonne in it which has been proven to aggravate canker sores.\n\nPrevention and Natural Treatment of Canker Sores\nFrom Cathy Wong, N.D.,\nYour Guide to Alternative Medicine.\nFREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!\nCanker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, apthous stomatitis and ulcerative stomatitis, are small painful ulcerations that have yellow-gray centers and a red border. \n\nUsually 1-2mm wide, they occur on non-keratinized mucosa inside the mouth: the inner side of the lips, the tongue, the back and floor of the mouth and the wall of the cheeks. They do not occur on the lips, the gums or the hard roof of the mouth. Ulcers can be single or can occur in clusters.\n\nThe cause of canker sores is uncertain, however, associations with human herpesvirus 6, food sensitivities, stress, and nutrient deficiencies have been suggested. They generally take 1-2 weeks to heal and may recur monthly or several times per year. \n\nCanker sores must be differentiated from drug allergies, herpes simplex infection, Behcet's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and squamous cell carcinoma. In some cases, biopsy of the ulcer may be necessary. \n\nConventional treatments include topical steroids, mouthwash, or an oral paste for symptomatic relief. In severe cases, systemic glucocorticoids may be prescribed.\n\nTherapeutic Considerations\n\n1) Avoid toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate\nSodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an irritant detergent commonly found in toothpaste. People with recurrent canker sores may benefit by switching to a brand of toothpaste that does not contain SLS, which is believed to abrade the protective mucus layer in the mouth and increase the likelihood of developing canker sores. \n\nResearch studies have found a decreased incidence of recurrent canker sores after two months of avoiding SLS, however, one double-blind study did not support this finding. \n\n2) Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)\nDGL is the herb licorice that has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed, the portion that can increase blood pressure. In one research study, DGL was found to promote the healing of canker sores, with a 50-75% improvement in one day. This study used a mouthwash made of powdered DGL mixed with water. \n\nAlternately, DGL tablets can be chewed with water, swished in the mouth and swallowed.\n\n3) Identify and eliminate food sensitivities with an elimination and challenge diet\nFood sensitivities, especially to gluten-containing foods (wheat, rye, barley, oats), have been found clinically to be associated with recurrent canker sores. \n\nThe microscopic appearance of the sores and the increased antibodies to certain food antigens in some people with recurrent canker sores support this theory. Double-blind studies, however, have yet to confirm this.\n\n4) Decrease dietary intake of nitrites\nCured and processed meats, such as bacon, sausage and ham, are high in nitrites. One study found that the risk of esophageal cancer was seven times greater in individuals with a history of canker sores. The authors report that canker sores may be an indicator of a high conversion of nitrites to carcinogenic nitrosamines.\n\n5) Vitamin C\nVitamin C works directly against viruses and has been found to inhibit the herpes virus in vitro. In addition, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines from dietary nitrites, found in bacon, ham, sausages and other processed meats, and from dietary nitrates, found in vegetables and other foods.\n\n6) Nutrient Deficiency\nThiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores. Other nutrients that have been found to be low in people with recurrent canker sores include riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and iron. A health practitioner can assess nutrient status. \n\nReferences \n\n1. Lininger S, Gaby A, Austin S, Brown DJ, Wright JV, Duncan A. The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd E
92217
my experience is an excess of any sour foods cause sores on the tongue and inside the mouth.  It seems the acid causes these sores.