Can Your Diet Cause Mouth Sores? Advice from Your Family Dentist in Surrey
Your dental health doesn’t just concern your teeth. Mouth sores are relatively common with millions of cases diagnosed every year. In many cases, mouth sores aren’t serious and are easily treated.
Patients visiting our family dentist in Surrey can get effective treatment for oral sores, as well as the best advice to prevent sores from occurring. Learn how diet and hygiene can contribute to the condition, and when you should visit your local dentist in Surrey.
What are Mouth Sores?
Canker sores are the most common types of mouth sores developed by dental patients in Canada. These are shallow ulcers that develop inside the mouth in the soft tissues behind the lips or on the inner walls.
In most cases, these sores will last for several days or a couple of weeks at worst. They’re more common in females but anyone can develop common mouth sores. Family history can increase the likelihood of mouth sores but isn’t always a good indicator of your risk.
Mouth sores are easily treated at your family dentist in Surrey.
How are Mouth Sores Caused?
The mechanism around mouth sores, specifically canker sores, isn’t well understood. The exact causes are unknown but some well-recognized factors can increase risk. Correlation has been found in many areas, but more research is necessary.
In some patients, periods of heightened stress and anxiety can be linked to sores in the mouth. For females, the period before or after menstruation can increase the risk.
Small injuries in the mouth can lead to sores, such as biting the cheeks or lips. Trauma caused by an accident like a sports injury could also become a contributing factor.
Having braces can increase the risk of oral sores as irritation to the soft tissue can cause inflammation.
Allergies and poor diet are also known to contribute to the risk of oral sores.
Can Your Diet Contribute to Oral Sores?
This one’s a difficult question but there are some guidelines that you’ll learn about when visiting your family dentist in Surrey.
Canker sores are more common in people with deficiencies in the diet, mostly around iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. This is why anemic patients usually have a higher risk of developing canker sores. Taking supplements may reduce the risk. Taking vitamin B complex can be effective in some patients. A varied diet that includes tofu, salmon, green beans, and beef can provide adequate levels of vitamin B. Legumes, eggs, and leafy greens are all rich in folic acid, which can reduce the risk of developing canker sores.
Some specific foods can cause irritation that increases the risk of inflammation and heightens the risk of developing sores. Highly acidic foods and beverages can damage the tissue in the mouth. Orange juice, acidic fruit like oranges and lemons, and coffee may make a canker sore worse or increase the risk.
Smoking and alcohol consumption also increase the risk. Avoid smoking to protect your oral health and overall health. Consume alcohol in moderation and be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after consuming alcohol. The alcohol itself and other components in drinks can cause damage to oral tissues.
Oral Hygiene Can Prevent Sores and Inflammation
Inflammation can also be caused by bacterial activity. Regular hygiene is essential. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing can remove bacteria and the food particles that attract bacteria. Keeping your mouth clean will limit the risk of mouth sores.
Preventative Care with Your Dental Hygienist
Brushing at home isn’t enough to keep your teeth in great condition. Visiting a dental hygienist for regular cleaning and assessment is essential. The detailed cleaning provided by your dental hygienist will remove the buildup that your home routine misses. Your dental hygienist will also check your teeth, gums, and tissues in the mouth to ensure that everything is healthy.
Visiting a dental hygienist frequently is an essential form of preventative dental care. Your dental hygienist can refer any issues to your family dentist in Surrey.
Problems detected early are problems that are more easily overcome. Whether considering canker sores or any other aspect of your oral health, regular professional care is a necessity.
When to Visit Your Family Dentist in Surrey for Oral Sores
Some oral sores only last a few days and can be easily treated by maintaining your oral hygiene routine and avoiding acidic and spicy food. You should visit your dentist in Surrey when the sores worsen.
Book an appointment with your family dentist in Surrey when:
- There are visible white patches on the sores.
- Sores don’t go away within the first week.
- You have recently changed your diet or started taking new medication.
- The pain or discomfort is unbearable.
- Sores are spreading throughout your mouth.
Your family dentist in Surrey can provide detailed consultation and diagnosis. If you need treatment for oral sores, schedule your consultation for a compassionate approach to care with the best family dentist in Surrey.
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