Canker Sores

Symptoms

Canker sores are painful mouth ulcers that appear suddenly in groups of two or three, or singly. They can easily be confused with *cold sores. Canker sores are white ulcers with a red rim, that form just inside the lips or cheeks. They burn and tingle, especially when eating spicy or acidic foods. Normally, healing takes about one to two weeks without treatment, but longer if they become exceptionally large. Their size ranges from tiny to one inch or more. Recurrences are common with abnormally high *stress levels, or as a reaction to certain foods. Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers

Causes

Some people are predisposed to recurring canker sores. The process causing the sores is unknown, although it is probably linked to an abnormal immune system response that has been triggered by a deficiency, injury or another problem. Canker sores appear or recur as a symptom of lacking nutrients. They often occur with *anemia, when the nutrients B₁₂, folic acid or iron are lacking. A small injury is often a trigger for canker sores, as is an altered oral flora after antibiotic treatment. Stress and food sensitivities often trigger precipitate ulcers. Foods that cause a problem are highly acidic fruits, and sweets, especially chocolate

Nutrition

Eat green, leafy vegetables and whole grains for their B complex vitamins, which help the body deal with *stress, a common trigger in the development of canker sores. Nutritional yeast can supply B vitamins. It is available in health food stores in the form of flakes, which can be added to cereal or salads, or stirred into liquids. Nutritional yeast also comes in the form of a paste which can be spread on bread. Natural, plain, unsweetened yogurt eaten several times daily has been known to shorten the healing time of canker sores by providing healthy bacteria which fight infection. Avoid sugary sweets, coffee, citrus fruits, meats and anything that produces acids

Nutritional Supplements

Many people have reported excellent relief with a mouth rinse of aqueous colloidal silver; it has a natural antimicrobial effect and boosts immunity. Use after brushing the teeth to help prevent any type of oral infection, including *parasites and candida.

Acidophilus capsules help prevent and clear up canker sores. A capsule emptied onto the sores at regular intervals is soothing. Canker sores are often related to a B-vitamin deficiency and become more pronounced during times of stress. Where anemia is the cause, either vitamin B₁₂, folic acid or iron will need to be replaced. Zinc lozenges also help resolve canker sores, as this mineral supports the immune system. Calcium supplements will help counteract the overacidity.

Daily Dosages:

• Vitamin B complex, 100 mg twice daily
  
• Zinc lozenges, up to 60 mg, with 3 mg copper
  
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, 2 capsules twice daily
  
• Calcium, 1,000 mg
  
• Aqueous colloidal silver, 1 tsp. daily

Herbal Remedies

Herbs can effectively heal and prevent the infection causing problems.

• Tea tree oil helps prevent infection and control parasites and candida. Rinse the mouth with 3 drops of tea tree oil diluted in a glass of water. Twice daily, after brushing the teeth, apply a few drops of oil with a cotton swab directly to infected area.
  
• Rinse the mouth with licorice root tea, diluted myrrh oil or aloe vera juice to soothe and heal the sore.
  
• Use horsetail or echinacea tincture (20 drops diluted in 1/4 cup water), sage, lavender or camomile tea to rinse the mouth every two hours.
  
• Place 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds in 1 cup cold water. After six hours, bring to a boil and strain immediately. When cooled to lukewarm, add 1 tsp. honey. Use to gargle and swallow a little.
  
• Oak, burdock root, rest-harrow, red clover, red raspberry and calendula are astringent and reduce inflammation. Make a strong tea with them and use it as a mouth wash.
  
• As a three-week herbal cure, mix 3 parts nettle, 1 part sage, and 3 parts chicory. Soak 3 tbsp. of the mix in 1 qt. cold water overnight. Next morning bring to a boil, steep for five minutes, strain and drink 1 cup three times daily.

Homeopathy

As homeopathy is specific to each person, listed below are a few of the many other prescribed remedies. Take the 6c strength four times daily for up to five days. For recurrent ulcers, consult an experienced homeopath.

• Take Borax if the ulcers bleed when touched, the mouth is hot and tender, and oral *thrush is sometimes present.
  
• Arsenicum album is recommended when the mouth is dry and burning, and the ulcers are soothed by warm water. Restlessness and anxiety are felt. Often caused by stress and worry.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets four times daily, under the tongue.

• For whitish ulcers in the mouth, use Kali mur.
  
• When the color is gray and the cause is nervous tension, use Kali phos.
  
• If the ulcers are located on the tongue, use Silicea.
  
• Use Nat mur if the corners of the lips are also cracked.

External/Physical Therapies

• Be careful not to irritate the gums with hard toothbrush bristles or sharp-edged foods such as potato chips or dry bread crusts. Too much acid from fruits and vegetables, and spicy foods can also trigger mouth sores.
  
• Avoid constant stress. Take time to exercise, sleep and relax.
  
• Keep the bowels regular to prevent toxic build-up. Walk regularly walking in fresh air to oxygenate the body and stimulate bowel movement.
  
• Apply 1 open capsule of Lactobacillus acidophilus, onto sore twice daily.

Other Suggestions

• Sodium bicarbonate powder mixed with water is a very effective first aid remedy. This mixture can be used as a mouth rinse as well as swallowed to help make the body more alkaline. A variety of commercial toothpastes containing sodium bicarbonate can be used instead of standard toothpastes high in fluoride and other chemicals.

Available Brand Name Products: Nutritional Supplements

• Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
  
• Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)
  
• Ester-C (Natural Factors)
  
• Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)

Available Brand Name Products: Other Nutritional Supplements

• Aloe Vera Gel (Nature’s Herbs)
  
• Aloe Vera Inner Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)
  
• Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)

Available Brand Name Products: Herbal Remedies

• Horsetail Leaves (Flora)
  
• Echinacea Angustifolia Extract (Nature’s Herbs)
  
• Red Clover Combination (Nature’s Herbs)
  
• Red Raspberry Combination (Nature’s Herbs)
  
• Garlic Plus FOS (Quintessence)

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona