See also Cold Sores; Dental Problems.

Canker sores (apthous ulcers) are small, painful mouth sores. Unlike cold sores (fever blisters), which are caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus and usually appear on the hard part of the gums and outer part of the lips, canker sores are often found on the tongue, the soft part of the gums, and the inner cheeks and lips. Appearing suddenly, a canker sore begins as a red, ulcerated spot with a yellowish border. They can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a quarter, and they usually last anywhere from four to twenty days.

Occurring most often in females, canker sores can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, viral infection, stress, and fatigue. Occasionally, canker sores are associated with Crohn’s disease and Candidiasis.

Under ideal circumstances, the natural flora of the mouth—including the right strains of the friendly bacteria—provide a barrier to canker sores. To help protect the normal alkaline environment of your mouth, practice good oral hygiene, and limit your intake of sugar, which leads to an overgrowth of acid-producing bacteria (good and bad).

RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN

When suffering from a canker sore, it is best to take powdered Probiotics, which begin working in the mouth immediately.

Take 1 teaspoon each of L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and L. bulgaricus powders mixed in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water, three times daily. Before swallowing, swish the liquid in your mouth a few seconds.

In addition to the above regimen, for increased strength, take 1 combination capsule that contains all three super strains in an oil-matrix carrier, once a day.

NOTE: The information contained on this site is based on the training, personal experiences and research of the author, Natasha Trenev. It is intended for educational purposes, and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care. Mention of any research organization or individual researcher should in no way be construed as an endorsement of thissite or of any of the techniques therein. Because each person and situation are unique, the author urges the reader to check with a qualified health professional before using any procedure in which there is any question of appropriateness. It is a sign of wisdom, not cowardice, to seek a second or third opinion.