Why do I keep getting mouth sores?
We have all been plagued by annoying mouth sores that occasionally appear on areas of the oral mucosa. Aphthae are ulcers i.e. small sores in various parts of the mouth in a round or oval shape. They are quite annoying and can become extremely painful, especially if salt, spices or an acidic food is consumed. The most common reason for their appearance is that they are an autoimmune condition.
Why do I get mouth sores? Some possible causes include:
- Stress & Fatigue - Stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system.
- Injury to the mouth - E.g. from biting, toothbrushing, or hard foods.
- Nutritional deficiencies - Lack of vitamin B12, iron or folic acid can cause aphthae.
- Hormonal changes - Women may experience aphthae during menstruation or pregnancy.
- Allergies & Sensitivities - E.g. to certain foods (acidic, spicy), to SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) in toothpastes.
- Immunological or gastrointestinal problems - E.g. celiac disease, Crohn's disease, vitamin deficiencies.
- Viruses & Infections - Some viral infections can cause aphthae.
What You Can Do?
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods that may irritate the lips.
- Use toothpaste without SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate).
- Do mouthwashes with chamomile.
- Watch your diet and see if you need a vitamin supplement (B12, iron, folic acid).
- Stress management - Relaxation, better sleep, less stress.
If relapse is a frequent occurrence, you should not overlook it. In such cases, flare-ups may be a manifestation of B vitamin deficiencies, iron and/or folic acid deficiencies. Also, recurrent asthma may be a concomitant symptom of other systemic diseases.
Why do I keep getting mouth sores? Therefore, if aphtha occurs with alarming frequency, it is advisable to consult an oral surgeon to have a test performed to rule out or identify an underlying systemic disease and to give the correct treatment for the systemic disease.
