Those cantankerous canker sores

They don’t show. They’re not contagious. And they usually go away on their own.Other than that, there’s no upside to canker sores.Aphthous ulcers, known more commonly as canker sores, are small round or oval crater-like lesions that form on the soft tissues of the mouth: the soft palate, inside the lips or cheeks, on or under the tongue or at the base of the gums. In comparison to cold sores (caused by a herpes simplex virus) that occur on or around the lips and are contagious with close contact, and for which there is no cure, the common canker sore seems fairly benign. For anyone prone to them, however, a new canker sore means a week or more of a mouth sore enough to make eating, drinking and toothbrushing a painful proposition.Women, possibly due to hormonal shifts, are more likely than men to suffer from canker sores, although anyone at any age can get them. Canker sores also tend to run in families, but whether the cause is a reaction to particular allergens or foods that are common within a family home or simple heredity is unclear. In fact, there is no solid agreement on what causes canker sores. Among the suspects are a diet lacking in zinc, folic acid, iron or vitamin B-12; food sensitivities; a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to overeager brushing, dental work or acidic food; an allergic response to normal oral bacteria; or emotional stress. Less often, canker sores can be related to more serious conditions such as celiac or Crohn’s disease.SLSAmong the more intriguing possible canker sore triggers are toothpastes and mouthwashes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is found in many personal care products, such as shampoo and soap. It is a surfactant (detergent) that helps clean the teeth and produces the foam that not only makes it feel like a party is going on inside your mouth, but helpfully carries away debris. However, SLS is harsh — in vastly greater concentrations it’s used in industrial cleaners — and can irritate oral membranes and, many believe, lead to canker sores in sensitive people. A switch to SLS-free oral care products for a couple of months is certainly worth a try, and it might very well make a difference. Many of the major brands contain SLS so read labels and check in particular Biotene, Sensodyne and Rembrandt, among others. They’re a bit more expensive and you’ll have to give up the foam, but you may find that your canker sore problem improves significantly.Self-helpWhen a canker sore is causing you pain, simple home remedies can help.• Try a saltwater rinse: Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda or salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle the solution but do not swallow.• Cover the canker sore with a paste made of baking soda and a very small amount of water. • Place a small dab of milk of magnesia directly on the sore several times a day.• Cool it by letting ice chips melt slowly over the sore.• Avoid spicy or abrasive food. (You’ll figure this one out on your own.)You might also try over-the-counter products made specifically to relieve oral pain.Seek helpThese remedies can be effective in relieving the discomfort of common canker sores. However, you should see a doctor or dentist if canker sores are unusually large or last for three or more weeks or if new sores develop before old ones heal. Also seek medical attention if you have a fever, pain that isn’t relieved by self-care means, real difficulty eating or drinking, or sores that extend to the lips. There are a variety of treatments your doctor may advise, including prescription rinses, other medications and nutritional supplements.Writer Cyd Emmons is a corporate communications consultant based in Falls Village.