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Causes of Canker Sores

Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. They are tiny lesions that occur on the soft tissues of the mouth. They are oftentimes red, but sometimes they are white. They are very shallow. Canker sores commonly can be found on the tongue and inside the lips and cheeks. They are not contagious and can be extremely painful. They can last from a few days to a few weeks. There are certain factors that can cause canker sores to occur.

  1. Mouth Injuries

    • Mouth injuries are oftentimes the culprit behind canker sores developing. If you accidentally bite the inside of your mouth or hit your cheeks very hard while brushing your teeth, you might develop a canker sore. People who play contact sports and experience mouth injuries might also find themselves suffering from painful canker sores.

    Vitamin Deficiency

    • Vitamin deficiency is sometimes a reason why canker sores develop. Insufficient folic acid (also known as foliate), iron and Vitamin B12 in particular can lead to canker sores in the mouth.

    Emotional Stress

    • Emotional stress is considered to be one of the most common causes of canker sores. Whether you are stressed out about work, school, friendship or even lack of sleep, it can cause you to be rundown and more prone to experiencing canker sores.

    Hormonal Fluctuation

    • Hormonal fluctuation is a possible cause of many canker sores. Common hormonal changes that lead to canker sores include pregnancy, menstruation and menopause. Many females experience canker sores alongside the other common symptoms associated with menstruation (such as cramps and mood swings).

    Temperatures

    • If you consume either a beverage or a food item that is too high in temperature, that could also trigger a canker sore. Essentially, a part of the mouth being burnt by a hot drink or food would trigger it. A very frequent example of this is drinking coffee.

    Ill-Fitting Dentures

    • Ill-fitting dentures also can cause canker sores. This can happen in both partial and complete dentures. They occur in the exact part of the mouth where the denture is rubbing against the tissue. The canker sore occurring is often the initial sign that the dentures might need to be adjusted by the dentist.

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