What causes canker sores?

What causes canker sores?  Most canker sores result from injuries to the delicate tissue of the mouth which are caused by the teeth or by sharp pieces of food experienced while eating. They can also result from injuries sustained while brushing the teeth; if the toothbrush slips it can jab into the gum, causing a painful ulcer. To avoid this, use a brush with soft bristles and take great care when brushing.

Canker sores are irritating, painful sores in the mouth. They can occur on the insides of the cheeks, on the tongue, just behind the lips, or at the intersection between the gums and the sides of the mouth.

Bacteria and viruses get into these tiny cuts and abrasions that commonly occur in the mouth. This is fundamentally what causes canker sores to develop. The mouth is more susceptible to this type of sore than other parts of the body because it contains so many bacteria.

Other Causes of Tonsil Stones

In addition, when discussing what causes tonsil stones, you should look at foods such as pineapple, tomatoes, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits contain acids such as citric acid which can irritate the delicate lining of the mouth. The irritation and resulting micro-abrasions lead to canker sores. Spicy foods may also cause problems with irritation and lead to canker sores for some people.

Having a dry mouth is a risk factor that greatly increases the risk of canker sores. This is because a lack of moisture makes the mouth lining more susceptible to irritation or injury.

Unfortunately, some of the chemicals designed to keep the mouth clean can actually dry out the mouth and increase the risk of sores forming. The main offender is sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS, which is commonly found in toothpaste. Manufacturers add this chemical to toothpaste because it makes it foamy - even though the foam is not necessary for cleaning. Brushing your teeth every day with SLS can cause microscopic damage to the lining of the mouth, leading to frequent canker sores.

Fortunately, there are toothpastes that do not contain SLS, which may be beneficial for those who find themselves experiencing recurrent canker sores. TheraBreath toothpaste is 100% free of sodium lauryl sulfate, so it won't dry out your mouth, but it still has all the antibacterial qualities that you would expect from a toothpaste, in order to keep your mouth clean and healthy.