What Causes Canker Sores and How to Prevent and Treat Them

Canker sores — those small, painful ulcers that pop up inside your mouth — can make even the simplest things like talking, eating, or brushing your teeth miserable. But what causes them? And more importantly, how can you prevent and treat them?

If you have concerns about canker sores, you can rely on the expertise of our dental professionals, Brian Goodman, DDS, and Tanner Goodman, DMD, at Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Here’s what you need to know:

Canker sores explained

Canker sores are shallow, round sores on the soft tissues inside your mouth — like your inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or the base of your gums. They aren’t contagious like cold sores and don’t occur on the lips’ outer surface.

Causes of canker sores

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, common triggers of canker sores have been identified. They include:

Stress or injury

Minor mouth trauma (like accidentally biting your cheek or brushing too hard) can trigger a sore. Emotional stress is another major contributor.

Dietary deficiencies

A lack of iron, zinc, folic acid, or vitamin B-12 can increase your risk.

Food sensitivities

Spicy, acidic, or salty foods can irritate your mouth and contribute to flare-ups.

Hormonal changes

You might find that you experience more sores during your menstrual cycle.

Underlying health conditions

Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or an impaired immune system may also cause canker sores.

How to prevent canker sores

While not all canker sores can be prevented, these tips may reduce their frequency:

Maintain good oral hygiene

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that may irritate.

Eat a balanced diet

Make sure you're getting enough essential nutrients, especially B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Avoid trigger foods

Spicy or acidic foods can aggravate sensitive mouth tissue.

Manage stress

Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to help keep stress-related sores at bay.

Treatment options

Most canker sores heal on their own within 7-10 days, but treatment can help speed healing and ease discomfort.

Your provider might recommend the following:

Topical treatments: over-the-counter gels or creams like benzocaine to numb the area
Mouth rinses: antiseptic or saltwater rinses to reduce bacteria and inflammation
Prescriptions: corticosteroid or an antimicrobial mouth rinse for severe or persistent sores
Pain relief: acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce discomfort while the sore heals

Canker sores are a common annoyance, but with the right care and a few preventive habits, you can reduce how often they show up and make them more bearable when they do.

If you have canker sores, contact our team for an appointment today. Our dental experts at Goodman Dental Center are here to help!