Aphthae in our mouth is a problem we all experience from time to time.
So what are aphthae?
They are painful, mostly white, gray, painful sores in our mouths, usually less than 1 cm in size. Most of them heal spontaneously in 1-2 weeks, but until they heal, they can prevent us from our social life, perhaps our favorite thing, eating and talking.
So which situations can cause canker sores? How can we avoid it or what are the treatment methods that will help us when it occurs?
The majority of individuals with canker sores are generally healthy individuals. It usually regresses in 2-3 weeks but recurs frequently.
It is thought that the immune system of the person’s body, familial predisposition and genetic effect are mostly responsible for the formation of aphthae. Blood diseases that cause a decrease in the immune system, Addison’s disease, Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, Lupus erythematosus, which we can count under the name of immune disorder diseases, can also cause aphthae formation in the person. Iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, B12, zinc, calcium and vitamin C deficiency can also be listed as causes. Premenstrual period in women, disruption of hormonal balance can also be counted among the causes. And of course smoking…
Mostly food [e.g. cow’s milk, chocolate, gluten, nuts] and drug allergies, sometimes even toothpaste can cause allergies. It can also be caused by severe stress or depression or trauma to the mouth. Traumatic procedures such as dental procedures, toothbrush, tooth bite can also be the initiating factor.
However, there does not always need to be a cause. Most of the time we cannot find a cause. The response of our body’s healing capacity is actually the main factor in whether this condition occurs or not. It can often recur during pregnancy or after smoking cessation.
Some studies show that folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron deficiency can cause aphthae formation in up to 20% of people. While small aphthae are seen in folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency, aphthae, which we call major, can be seen in iron deficiency anemia.
So, is it possible to spend the painful period we experience during the healing process more comfortably when aphthae form?
Nature offers us all the possibilities in this regard. For example, Propolis…
Propolis is a mixture of resin from the outside of trees and flower extract, bee saliva, wax and pollen. Its healing effect on fungal infections, bacterial infections and viral wounds in the mouth is very pronounced. You can use the drop form of propolis as a mouthwash for mouth sores such as gingivitis and canker sores. You can get the drop form of propolis from pharmacies or herbalists.
You can prepare a mouthwash by dropping 2 or 3 drops of propolis into 1 water glass. Use this mouthwash 2 times a day for 1 week after brushing your teeth. You can observe for yourself that your canker sores and gum problems are visibly improved.
Smile to Life…
Dt. Hatice Betül Saylar
