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Canker Sores - About
Pain caused by canker sores can make it difficult to eat, drink, or speak. How can you soothe the pain and shorten the healing time? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Aim for more balanced nutrition
Not getting the right amounts of certain vitamins can contribute to canker sores; take a multivitamin containing zinc and generous amounts of vitamin B-complex, and include iron if tests show that your levels are low
- Try a little licorice
Try chewable (or powdered) deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to shorten canker sore healing time
- Make a date with your dentist
Get checked for sources of minor trauma, such as rough fillings, braces, or poorly fitting dentures, which can aggravate canker sores
- Forego certain foods
Work with a knowledgeable health professional to find out if you’re sensitive to foods that make symptoms worse
Also indexed as:
- aphthous ulcers,
- canker sores,
- mouth ulcers,
- oral ulcer
About this treatment
About This Condition
Canker sores are small ulcerations within the mouth.
Doctors call this common condition aphthous stomatitis.
Symptoms
Canker sores appear alone or in clusters as shallow, painful erosions in the mucous membrane inside the mouth. They typically have slightly raised, yellowish borders surrounded by a red zone, and are sometimes covered with a yellowish opaque material. Fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes may be present in severe attacks.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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