How to Avoid Getting Canker Sores

Canker sores, medically known as aphthous ulcers, are sores that occur on the soft tissues inside the mouth or at the base of your gums. They are not contagious but they can be painful and make eating difficult.[1] Most canker sores go away on their own, though more complex canker sores that appear regularly may require a visit to your doctor or dentist. You can reduce the recurrence of canker sores by following good oral hygiene and by adjusting your diet and your lifestyle. If you develop canker sores, you should learn how to treat them properly.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Following Good Oral Hygiene

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    Use toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be found in some commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes. SLS is often used as a cheap filler to help toothpaste thicken and foam up. But this additive has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing canker sores in your mouth.[2]
    • Read the labels on toothpastes and mouthwashes to make sure they are free of SLS before you use them or search online for brands that specifically do not contain SLS.
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    Brush with a soft bristle brush. You can also follow good oral hygiene by choosing a soft bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth. Try to brush your teeth twice a day and after every meal. This will reduce the presence of bacteria and food particles that may cause canker sores to develop.[3]
    • Using a soft bristle brush will also prevent irritation in your mouth. Irritating your mouth with hard brushes can lead to the development of canker sores.
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    Floss once daily. Floss once each day to prevent food particles from staying in your mouth. These food particles can lead to oral health issues, including canker sores.[4]
    • Get in the habit of flossing before bed as well so your mouth is clean and free of bacteria or food particles.
    • Flossing more than once daily can be harmful to your gums.
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    Make sure your dental equipment fits properly. If you have braces or a retainer, make sure it is not rubbing or scratching the inside of your mouth. Poorly fitting dental equipment can lead to the development of canker sores. Talk to your dentist if you feel your dental equipment is irritating your mouth.[5]
    • If you have braces that are rubbing against your mouth and causing sores, try using dental wax to cover sharp edges.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Adjusting Your Diet and Lifestyle

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    Avoid foods that can irritate your mouth. Some foods have been shown to irritate your mouth, such as nuts, chips, and pretzels. You should also avoid citrus foods like lemons and limes so your mouth does not get irritated. Salty foods, spicy foods, and acidic foods like pineapples, oranges, and grapefruits can also irritate your mouth, leading to the development of canker sores.[6]
    • Try not to suck on candies or chew gum, as these products can irritate your mouth and encourage the development of canker sores.
    • You should also avoid foods you are allergic to, as you may develop allergic reaction that could lead to canker sores and swelling of your mouth or throat.
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    Go for a healthy, balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet overall can help your immune system stay strong. This can then prevent the development of canker sores, among other health issues. Try to have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as salads with fresh vegetables.
    • Foods that contain cultured dairy, such as yogurt, have been shown to help reduce certain bacteria in your mouth. This could then reduce your likelihood of developing canker sores. Make sure there is yogurt in your diet as well as cultured, sour dairy products.
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    Reduce your stress levels. High stress levels can contribute to the development of canker sores. If you notice you tend to develop canker sores when you are stressed, take steps to calm down and relax so you are less prone to stressing out.[7]
    • When you start to feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, try doing a relaxing activity like yoga or deep breathing exercises. Or go for a walk to your favorite park or focus on a hobby that you enjoy doing.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Treating Canker Sores

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    Gargle salt water or a baking soda rinse. Most canker sores will go away on their own, but if you would like to speed up the healing process you can try gargling with salt water or a baking soda rinse. Add one tablespoon of sea salt or baking soda to four ounces of warm water. Gargle with it twice a day to try to clean out and heal the canker sore.[8]
    • Do not swallow the mouth rinse, as this can lead to illness. Gargle by swishing it around in your mouth for 10 – 15 seconds and then spit it out.
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    Place wet tea bags over the area. You can also try placing wet tea bags over the canker sores to help them heal. You may use herbal tea bags by steeping them in water and then letting them cool. Then, place them over the canker sore or hold them against the canker sore with your tongue.[9]
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    Try over-the-counter numbing mouth gel. There are numbing mouth gels for canker sores that you can find at your local drugstore. They may be helpful if you want to numb the pain and be able to eat or chew without irritation.[10]
    • Follow the label instructions on the numbing gel when applying the mouth gel and do not apply too much of the product. The mouth gel should be safe for oral use and safe to swallow.
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    See your doctor if the canker sore does not go away after two weeks. If you notice the canker sore does not heal on its own after two to three weeks, you may want to see your doctor or your dentist. You should also see a doctor if the canker sore spreads to other areas of your mouth and become very large, or if you develop a high fever while having canker sores.[11]
    • You should also see your doctor if the canker sores are very painful despite the use of numbing gel or over-the-counter pain medication.
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Warnings

  • Call your doctor if you experience recurring sores, or new ones that appear before the previous one has healed, sores extend to the lips, pain is not controlled with self-care, you have extreme difficulty eating or drinking.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/definition/con-20021262
  2. ↑ http://www.freysmiles.com/blog/view/why-to-avoid-toothpastes-with-sodium-lauryl-sulfate
  3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/prevention/con-20021262
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/prevention/con-20021262
  5. ↑ http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2013/04/the-top-5-reasons-why-people-get-canker-sores.html
  6. ↑ http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2013/04/the-top-5-reasons-why-people-get-canker-sores.html
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/basics/prevention/con-20021262
  8. ↑ https://www.uhs.umich.edu/coldcankersores
  9. ↑ https://www.uhs.umich.edu/coldcankersores
  1. ↑ https://www.uhs.umich.edu/coldcankersores
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores#2

About This Article

Jennifer Boidy, RN
Medically reviewed by:
Jennifer Boidy, RN
Registered Nurse
This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse in Maryland. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012. This article has been viewed 102,466 times.
76 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 102,466
Categories: Mouth Disorders

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

If you're already brushing twice daily, the next best way to prevent canker sores is to make sure your toothpaste doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which can increase the likelihood you'll develop sores. You can also try adjusting your diet to exclude salty, spicy, and acidic foods that irritate your mouth, such as pretzels or chips. However, if you've made these changes and are still getting canker sores, you may need to work on reducing your stress levels instead, since high stress can also cause canker sores. To do so, try taking a walk or practicing deep breathing exercises whenever you feel overwhelmed. For more advice from our Medical co-author, such as how to treat canker sores, keep reading.

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