Minor injuries: Accidental injuries while brushing your teeth, biting your cheek, or friction caused by the sharp edges of your teeth can cause mouth ulcers.
Nutritional deficiency: Mouth ulcers can occur frequently if the body is deficient in vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and zinc.
Stomach upsets: Digestive problems, constipation, or excessive heat in the body can worsen mouth ulcers. According to Ayurveda, this is due to an increase in ‘pitta’ in the body.
Mental stress: Excessive mental stress and lack of sleep reduce the body’s immunity and invite mouth ulcers.
Hormonal changes: Mouth ulcers can occur due to changes in hormones during menstruation or other times in women.
Certain foods: Excessively spicy and sour foods and acidic drinks can make mouth ulcers more painful.
Why does a canker sore hurt so much?
The mucous membrane inside the mouth is very delicate. When a canker sore develops, the protective layer on the surface of the skin is lost. When we talk or eat, this area is constantly exposed to friction, saliva, and the salt and spice in the food. The nerves inside the mouth are very sensitive, so even a small canker sore feels terribly painful.
Practical ways to reduce pain:
Gargle with salt water: Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water 3-4 times a day will help prevent infection and reduce pain.
Honey: Applying a little honey to the canker sore will help the canker sore dry up faster.
Cold drinks: Drinking yogurt and buttermilk will help reduce body heat.
Avoid spicy and sour foods: Completely avoid spicy and acidic foods until the canker sore goes away.
Vitamin supplements: If you have frequent mouth ulcers, it is a good idea to take B-complex tablets as prescribed by a doctor.
