Remedies for canker sores of the mouth

Mouth ulcers are defined as lesions affecting the oral mucosa (lips, cheeks, tongue and sublingual region).
They are typified by circular ulcers with a diameter of 2-5 mm; they rarely go beyond the centimeter. Generally, the ulcers are shallow and appear to be circumscribed by a red halo. They appear singly or in numerous.

The main symptom of canker sores is pain, which increases upon contact, with the increase in temperature and in the presence of irritating molecules.
It is not a "serious disease but sometimes it is related to higher disorders.
The ulcers heal within two weeks, but they recur easily.
They affect 20-60% of the population at least once; they are more common in adulthood.
If the canker sores appear in the mouth and recur regularly, they correspond to the diagnostic profile of relapsing aphthous stomatitis.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Mouth Aphthae; such indications must in no way replace the opinion of the treating physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. , labia minora and labia majora), and are associated with ocular changes (iritis) and / or lesions of other organs, the diagnosis is aphthosis or Behçet's syndrome (probably autoimmune disease).

Recognize symptoms early: Most cases of canker sores have a medical history that facilitates rapid identification of symptoms:

• The first clue is a burning sensation that appears a day or two earlier in the mucosa that is still intact.
• This is followed by an increase in pain, swelling and redness in proportion to the formation of the abrasions.

Eat a balanced diet and prevent zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Follow a regular lifestyle and prevent stress.

Carry out diagnostic investigations for food allergies and intolerances.

• If positive, eliminate harmful factors.

Maintain good oral hygiene and use mouthwash.

If present, adequately treat autoimmune diseases; in these cases the resolution of the canker sores is of marginal importance.

Treat or compensate for any hormonal imbalances and metabolic pathologies.

Pay attention to chewing and tooth brushing to avoid excessive physical stress.

of iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12.

Consume foods and drinks associated with the onset of canker sores.

Do not go into diagnostic investigations for allergies and intolerances.

Having poor oral hygiene.

Neglecting primary pathologies (hormonal, metabolic, autoimmune, etc.).

Subject the mucous membranes of the mouth to excessive chemical-physical stress:

• Bring very acidic liquids or solids to the mouth, breathe through the mouth when handling solvents or other toxic products, etc.
• For example, using dental prostheses or objects (snorkel of divers, mouthguards of wrestlers, etc.) which, due to their unsuitable shape, damage the mucosa.

Try to disinfect canker sores with alcoholic beverages and spicy foods.

Maintain a stressful lifestyle.

: muscle tissue of terrestrial and aquatic animals (horse, bovine, swine, avian, fish, whole molluscs, whole crustaceans, etc.), eggs (any, especially the yolk), offal and fifth quarter (especially spleen and liver, but also marrow, diaphragm, heart, etc.).

Foods rich in zinc: fish, red meat, cereals, legumes and dried fruit.

Foods rich in folic acid: liver, vegetables (e.g. tomatoes), fruits (orange, apple, etc.) and legumes (e.g. beans).

Foods rich in vitamin B12: the same foods as a source of heme iron;

Foods rich in vitamin C: peppers, citrus fruits, parsley, kiwi, lettuce, pineapple, broccoli, chicory, new potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, cherries, strawberries etc. Fresh and possibly raw.

Foods rich in vitamin D: fish, fish oil and egg yolk.

Foods rich in probiotics: yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, tofu, tempeh etc.

: wine, beer, spirits.

Spicy foods: especially chili and pepper.

Animal fats: those of the saturated type (cheeses and fatty cuts of meat); hydrogenated vegetable lipids are also among the foods to avoid.

Nuts: walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios etc.

Mustard.

Cheeses.

Chocolate.

It is also advisable to avoid:

• Gluten in case of celiac disease.
• Foods containing allergenic ingredients.

and plants useful for supporting the immune system:

• Vitamin C: antioxidant. Accelerates the healing of oral ulcers.
• Vitamin D: immunostimulating.
• Complex of antioxidants: vitamins (A, C, E), mineral salts (zinc and selenium) and polyphenols.

Probiotics: based on bifidobacteria, lactobacteria and eubacteria.

Herbalist:

• Immunostimulating plants to be taken in the form of herbal tea or extract: Androgafis, Astragalus, Echinacea, Eleutherococcus, Mistletoe, Uncaria, Cordyceps, Garlic, Aloe gel, Turmeric
• Calendula: anti-inflammatory and healing.
• Currants: anti-inflammatory action.
• Rosehip: contains vitamin C in high concentration.
• Lemon: disinfectant properties and contains vitamin C.
• Propolis (NOT in alcoholic tincture): it is a good antiseptic.

Activities that facilitate psycho-physical relaxation, for example:

• Mental training (autogenous or guided).
• Meditation.
• Aromatherapy.
• Yoga.

: in medical mouthwashes or massage pastes.

Antibiotic products and disinfectants in general: useful above all to avoid complications on ulcerations.

Immunosuppressants and immunomodulators: used very rarely, they are usually a necessary choice when the unregulated action of the immune system causes more significant discomfort.

and mouthwash).

Respect the nutritional balance.

Avoid nutritional principles responsible for allergy or intolerance.

Eliminate alcohol.

Not smoking.

Avoid chemical and physical stress on the mucous membrane.

Reduce psychological stress.

Treat any primary diseases.

Riccardo Borgacci

Graduated in Exercise Science and Dietetics, he practices as a freelance outpatient activity as a dietician and personal trainer