What Causes Canker Sores and How to Prevent and Treat Them?
By Dr. Ankur Jain (Director), White Smile Dental Care – Delhi & Gurugram

Canker sores — those small but stubborn ulcers inside the mouth — may be tiny, but they can pack a painful punch. Whether you’re eating, talking, or simply brushing your teeth, a canker sore can make every movement uncomfortable.

At White Smile Dental Care, with clinics across Delhi and Gurugram, I often see patients struggling with recurring mouth ulcers and discomfort. So let’s explore what causes these sores, how to prevent them, and the best ways to treat them.

🔍 What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are shallow, round or oval sores that develop on the soft tissues of your mouth — like the inside of your cheeks, lips, tongue, or under the gums. Unlike cold sores, these ulcers are not contagious and do not appear on the outer lips.

🤔 What Causes Canker Sores?
While the exact cause isn’t always known, several common triggers have been identified:

1. Minor Mouth Injuries
Biting your cheek, brushing too hard, or irritation from dental appliances like braces can cause trauma that leads to a sore.

2. Emotional Stress
High stress levels may weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to mouth ulcers.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Lack of essential nutrients — especially iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 — is linked to frequent canker sores.

4. Certain Foods
Acidic, spicy, or salty foods (such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, or chips) may irritate the mouth’s soft lining.

5. Hormonal Fluctuations
Many women report more frequent sores during hormonal shifts, such as menstruation.

6. Underlying Health Conditions
Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or a compromised immune system can increase the likelihood of canker sores.

🛡️ How to Prevent Canker Sores
You may not be able to avoid them entirely, but these prevention strategies can significantly reduce their frequency and severity:

✅ Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

Avoid toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that may trigger sores

🥗 Eat a Balanced Diet
Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals, especially B12, iron, and zinc

🌶 Avoid Irritating Foods
Minimize your intake of spicy, acidic, or salty foods if you’re prone to sores

🧘 Manage Stress
Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or regular physical activity

💊 Treatment Options for Canker Sores

Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 10 days, but if they’re especially painful or persistent, here’s how we manage them at White Smile Dental Care:

1. Topical Gels or Creams
Over-the-counter products like benzocaine can numb the sore and ease discomfort.

2. Mouth Rinses
Saltwater rinses or antiseptic solutions can help reduce inflammation and bacteria.

3. Prescription Medications
Severe cases may require corticosteroid rinses or antimicrobial mouthwashes to promote faster healing.

4. Pain Relievers
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can provide temporary pain relief.

🦷 When to See a Dentist?

If your sores:

• Last longer than two weeks

• Are unusually large or painful

• Occur frequently

• Are accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes

…it’s time to visit a dental expert.

At White Smile Dental Care, we provide compassionate and expert care to manage recurring ulcers and identify any underlying issues. With state-of-the-art equipment and a highly experienced team, we ensure accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

📞 Book an Appointment

If you’re struggling with canker sores or mouth discomfort, don’t suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ankur Jain (MDS) at White Smile Dental Care — with locations in at Golf Course Road, Gurgaon and Delhi

🔗 Contact Us:
📍121, Suncity Market, Sector-54, Gurgaon | Paras Trade Centre, Gurgaon | Dera Mandi, New Delhi

📞 +91-9818853158 | +91-9211700888

Your smile is our priority. Let us help you keep it healthy, pain-free, and confident.