Amazing isn’t it how much a tiny spot can make your whole body writhe in agony. Painful, unattractive, embarrassing – few things can make you as miserable as a canker sore.
A deficiency of folic acid, zinc, iron, or vitamin B-12 may trigger the formation of one of these painful sores. They may also indicate the presence of other diseases in your body – celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, for example.
From the emotional stress of daily life to an accidental cheek bite, from a hormonal imbalance to a food allergy – particularly acidic foods like lemons, strawberries, or figs – these mouth ulcers can be caused by a number of factors.
Simple canker sores are just that – simple, albeit uncomfortable, and appear a few times a year among youth between 10 and 20 years of age. Complex canker sores are less common and more serious, often accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. Simple or complex, anyone who’s ever had one of these ulcers on their tongue, cheek, or elsewhere inside their mouth will attest that they can certainly complicate daily life.
Avoiding spicy, acidic foods, and abrasive dental products is a top priority when dealing with these irritating sores. For basic hygienic maintenance, rinse your mouth with warm water and baking soda. There are also a number of natural pain relievers you can try.
For example, you may find a mixture of essential oils quite soothing. Try spraying a blend of olive, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils on the affected area. This may help to numb the pain, reduce swelling, and kill bacteria at the same time.
Another essential, clove oil, was a staple among many dentists before the advent of Novocain. Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a powerful painkiller. It may be applied directly to the canker sore with a cotton ball.
A warm chamomile teabag may work as a kind of poultice or compress to soothe and heal. Coconut oil has both anti-inflammatory and germ-killing properties that may serve you well in the fight against canker sore pain, swelling, and infection. The same healing properties are found in raw, organic honey, which may add a little pleasure to your pain relief.
