Common Causes And Risk Factors For Canker Sores

Lack Of Nutrients In Diet

Diet and nutrients play a key role in preventing many skin and mouth diseases, including canker sores. One vitamin deficiency that often causes ulcers, especially in children, is a B-12 deficiency. Growing kids require even more B-12 than adults and, unfortunately, tend to avoid the fruits and vegetables that have it in abundance, making a B-12 deficiency quite common in children and teens, but adding a B-12 supplement or applying the contents of B-12 vitamin capsules directly to the sores can help treat and prevent the issue.

Other nutrient deficiencies have also been linked to canker sores. A lack of nutrients, particularly folic acid, iron, and zinc, can cause canker sores or make them worse. A lack of calcium may not directly cause canker sores, but it has been shown to make them worse. For these nutrient deficiencies, making simple diet changes to foods rich in all four can create the biggest difference.

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Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and stomach infections, as well as increase the risk of canker sores. Helicobacter pylori infections are particularly common in childhood. Patients with this infection may experience nausea, abdominal pain, frequent burping, bloating, and loss of appetite. Unintentional weight loss might occur. Some individuals with a Helicobacter pylori infection never display any symptoms. This infection is a frequent cause of peptic ulcers, and patients who have ulcers are normally tested for the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Blood tests, breath tests, stool tests, and endoscopic tests may be used for diagnostic purposes. To treat this infection, doctors often prescribe two or more antibiotics. Medications that suppress stomach acid, including proton pump inhibitors, H-2 (histamine) blockers, and bismuth salicylate may be prescribed to help the stomach heal. Patients are tested for Helicobacter pylori roughly four weeks after completing treatment. If the infection is still present, the patient will need to have another round of treatment with different antibiotics.

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