The holidays are approaching, we’re feeling increasingly tired, and the heat gives us no relief – then canker sores appear!
Canker sores (also called oral aphthae, aphthous ulcers, or aphthous stomatitis) are small, temporary lesions of the oral mucosa, but they can often be very painful. They appear as ulcers with a white or yellow center and bright red edges.
Their size can vary, typically ranging from 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter, and they usually develop on the inner cheeks, under the tongue, or behind the lips.
Canker Sores: Causes
- Periods of stress or nervous tension
- Excessive heat
- Deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other nutrients
- Food allergies or certain foods (e.g., chocolate)
- Celiac disease
- Hormonal changes or the menstrual cycle
- Accidental injuries to the mucosa (e.g., biting the cheek, overly aggressive dental cleaning)
Heat and UV exposure can trigger their onset. Individuals prone to canker sores often notice them appearing more frequently during hot weather, especially on vacation days with significant sun exposure and irregular eating habits.
A Natural Remedy to Relieve Canker Sore Pain
Canker sores usually follow a natural course of a few days and disappear on their own. To support healing, it’s best to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, acidic foods, or very hot foods.
A highly effective natural remedy – not only for canker sores but for the entire oral cavity – is sodium bicarbonate. Since a canker sore is an acidic ulceration, bicarbonate, being an alkaline salt, helps neutralize acidity, reducing pain and discomfort.
Cariex®, a mucoadhesive dental spray containing bicarbonate, eliminates unpleasant discomfort and, by restoring oral pH, helps prevent canker sores and stomatitis. Additionally, thanks to hyaluronic acid, an excellent lubricant and moisturizer ideal for inflammation, it soothes pain and accelerates the healing of ulcerative lesions.