by A. M. Kane

Created on: September 20, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

Canker sores are unsightly and irritating to all those who have been afflicted by it and because it's often visible to those an afflicted person interacts with, it can easily make one self conscious and under confident. That in conjunction with the pain and stinging sensations makes for a horrible combination and anxiety galore

What are canker sores though, what causes them, and ultimately and importantly how can they be treated and countered?

Aphthous Ulcers, or canker sores as they are more commonly known often pop up without any prior warning, unlike cold sores which often announce their impending arrival by tingling sensations on or around the lip region. Canker sores often crop up in the mouth and environs, as well as tissue surrounding the mouth and is said to be more prevalent in women. They are more often than not painful and can arise in mere minutes, however there is no evidence to suggest they are cancerous growths. They have been known to take root and declare their unwanted and unsightly presence around the lips, gums, and tongue and inner mouth.

The ulcers are often small and painful and sometimes have red borders, especially those inside the mouth itself. It can make eating and talking a painful experience based on the severity and frequency of the sores themselves. Other sores have been known to be grey covered inside the side of the mouth, lips and gums.

Stress has been cited as one of the primary causes of canker sores, and as with all things it can strike when the immune system has been lowered or recovery from some previous illness is in effect. The stress can be physical or emotional and mental and can result in canker sores appearing in batches of two to three at a time. Nutritional deficits and bad eating is another way that once could open themselves up inadvertently to cankers sores and a host of others things which thrive when the immune system is low.

Other causes, which have been recognised, are poor dental hygiene, or harsh dental hygiene where one is too abrasive with brushing and flossing techniques causing the gums to bleed. Foods of certain types, primarily spiced or heavily salted foods, acidic foods and vinegar, chocolates and also nuts have been known to trigger the emergence of cankers. Injuries caused by badly fitting braces of harsh dental work, aggravation of existing scars in the mouth and the most obvious, viral infection, are also known to be causes of canker sores.

What can be done about canker sores though once they have

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