Enduring Canker Sores for an Extended Period
32 years old, 185 lbs, 6'00" Canker sores have been a recurring issue for me over the years. I've struggled with acid reflux for as long as I can remember and initially believed that was the root cause of the sores. About six years ago, I discontinued the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) I had been taking, but unfortunately, there was no improvement in my condition. For approximately six months now, I’ve been experiencing at least one canker sore at a time, and often several more, cropping up continuously—each new sore appearing before the previous one fully heals. To remedy this situation, I’ve attempted a variety of approaches: - Transitioning to toothpaste that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) - Cutting out all foods containing citric acid - Avoiding spicy and acidic dishes entirely - Incorporating an iron supplement into my routine - Trying a zinc supplement, although I had to stop due to stomach discomfort - Using a mouthwash designed for dry mouths - Restarting my proton pump inhibitor - Opting for only pH-balanced water - Adding a folate supplement to my diet Regrettably, none of these strategies have yielded any improvement. It’s genuinely painful for me to smile around my children, and I feel desperate for a solution—I am open to trying anything at this point. Does anyone have suggestions?
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 11:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing struggle with canker sores. They can be quite painful and frustrating, especially when they seem to persist despite various treatment attempts. Let's break down your situation to identify possible causes and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Chronic canker sores could be linked to underlying factors, including nutritional deficiencies, stress, or systemic conditions.
- You've tried several strategies without success, indicating a need for a comprehensive approach.
Explanation:
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, can result from various triggers ranging from food sensitivities to immune system responses. Given your history of acid reflux and the ongoing nature of your sores, it’s possible that your digestive health may play a role in your oral health, along with other factors.
Since you've already made significant attempts to address the issue without improvement, it's important to consider a few additional avenues of investigation and management.
Next Steps:
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Nutritional Evaluation: Consider working with a nutritionist to comprehensively evaluate your diet. Deficiencies in B vitamins (especially B12), iron, zinc, and folate can contribute to the development of canker sores. A blood test can help identify any gaps.
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Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate canker sores. Explore stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Even simple daily practices can help manage stress levels.
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Medication Review: Since you experienced discomfort from the zinc supplement, discuss alternative forms or dosages with a healthcare provider, or investigate other supplements (like L-lysine) that might help prevent sores.
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Topical Treatments: Consider using topical treatments like those containing benzocaine or corticosteroid ointments to manage pain and inflammation during flare-ups.
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Allergy Testing: Although you've eliminated certain foods, it may be worth consulting an allergist about potential food allergies or sensitivities that might not be immediately apparent.
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Hydration and Oral Care: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated and maintaining a consistent oral care routine with gentle products. Continuing the use of a pH-balanced mouthwash can be beneficial.
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Keeping a Symptom Diary: Track your canker sores' frequency and any possible triggers (diet changes, stress events, etc.) in a notebook or app. This can help in identifying patterns over time.
While these steps may require some patience, they could help in gradually reducing the occurrence of canker sores. Remember, persistent issues like these often require trial and error, but improvement is possible. Please keep me posted on your progress or if you have specific questions about any of these suggestions.
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