No one really knows the reason we get canker sores, but we can all agree that they are painful! Some say that they are due to stress; while others say injury to the mouth is the culprit. While we do not have a concrete reason why some people are more susceptible than others to these painful sores, we do know simple ways that help to avoid their re-occurrence.
Watch your Diet
There are certain foods that are more prone to causing canker sores than others. Typically foods that have high acid content are the reason for food related canker sores. Examples of acidic foods include tomatoes, strawberries, pineapples, citrus fruits, and sodas. This does not mean that you cannot ever eat these foods, it simply means to eat them in moderation and if you feel the onset of a canker sore, avoid these foods altogether until the sore goes away.
Avoid Stress
It is probably easier said than done to tell you to avoid stress, but it is very important to keep your oral health in good condition. Of course, you are going to experience bouts of stress here and there, everyone does, but it is how you manage it that matters. Implement stress relief techniques into your everyday life, such as yoga, meditation, or just taking a break when the going gets tough. These simple techniques will not only help you eliminate canker sores, but also help you to feel better overall.
Watch your Bad Habits
Tissue injury is another culprit in the onset of canker sores. Many people take this to mean if their mouth suffers a serious injury, such as a laceration from a car accident or sporting incident, but it could be caused by your own bad habits too! Biting your cheek or grinding your teeth are two bad habits that could contribute. If you notice yourself doing these bad habits, try to find a way to stop. If it is impossible for you to put an end to the habit, talk to us about them so that we can help you come up with a solution.
Stay Healthy
Staying healthy is good for more than your overall body; it affects your oral health too. If you are already fighting an illness, you are more susceptible to painful canker sores. Take the time to eat right, exercise at least 3 times a week, and take the proper vitamins to avoid any weaknesses in your body that could put your oral health at risk.
These simple tricks might be what it takes to eliminate the pain of canker sores from your life once and for all. Even if they do not disappear completely, if their occurrence is minimized, you can feel more in control of your oral health and the pain you must handle as a result of having canker sores.
