Re Cancer Sores

[Guest guest]

Here is a good article on cancer sore/mouth ulcers

http://www.animated-teeth.com/canker_sores/t1_canker_sores.htm

What are canker sores?

Canker sores are a type of mouth ulcer. Some of the medical terms used to refer

to canker sores are " recurrent minor aphthous ulcers " and " recurrent minor

aphthous stomatitis " (thus differentiating canker sores from other forms of

aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis). Canker sores are the most commonly

occurring type of mouth ulcer.

 

 

Causes of canker sores.

The precise mechanism by which canker sores form has not been definitively

determined but it is likely that their development is related to a reaction of

an individual's own immune system.

 

Canker sores are thought to form when, for unexplained reasons, a person's

immune system identifies the presence of chemical molecules that it does not

recognize. The presence of these molecules activates an attack by the immune

system's lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), somewhat similar as when a

person's immune system attacks a transplanted organ. The carnage created by the

lymphocytes' attack on these unrecognized molecules results in the formation of

mouth ulcers. We term these ulcers canker sores.

 

 

What risk factors are associated with aphthous ulcer breakouts?

Several factors that seem to be triggers for outbreaks of canker sores have been

identified. Any one or a combination of the following risk factors may play a

role in the formation of canker sores for any one individual:

 

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Toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Research has suggested that the use of products that contain sodium lauryl

sulfate ( " SLS " ), a foaming agent found in most toothpaste and mouthwash

formulations, can be associated with an increased risk for canker sore

outbreaks. This may be due to a drying effect SLS has on the protective surface

of oral tissues. Once this protective layer has been compromised the tissue

underneath is more vulnerable to irritants such as acidic foods.

Several studies have reported that participants who brushed using SLS

free toothpaste found that they experienced a reduction in the total number of

canker sores that they had form. This reduction in mouth sores was found to be

as high as 81% in one study. In this same study also reported that some of its

participants stated that the canker sores that did form were less painful than

those that developed during those time periods when they had been using a

toothpaste that did contain SLS.

Mechanical trauma to oral tissues.

People state that they often recall some sort of physical trauma preceding the

formation of their canker sores. This trauma might take the form of a

self-inflicted bite, irritation from a sharp tooth edge, or possibly trauma from

some type of food such as a crisp chip. 38% of the participants of one study

felt that their canker sores were precipitated by trauma.

Emotional stress / Psychic stress.

Psychological stress has been shown to adversely affect the health of people

in a number of ways. Many people who suffer from canker sores report that the

appearances of their ulcers coincide with periods of stress.

Diet: Nutritional deficiencies.

Researchers have found that some people who suffer from canker sore outbreaks

have poor diets and therefore an accompanying nutritional deficiency. Some of

the nutritional deficiencies that have been correlated with the presence of

canker sores are:

a.. Vitamin deficiencies: B1, B2, B6, B12, C

b.. Other nutrients: zinc, folic acid, iron, selenium, calcium

Diet: Allergies and sensitivities.

Allergies to foods and other substances have been postulated as being triggers

for canker sore breakouts. Any substance that comes into contact with the

person's oral tissues must be considered to be a potential causative agent. If

an allergy is suspected the individual might choose to maintain a diary so to

help them (and their dentist) identify the most likely candidates associated

with the causation of their sores. In some cases allergy testing might be

considered.

Some of the dietary substances identified by researchers as being

potential triggers for canker sore outbreaks are:

a.. Cereal grains: buckwheat, wheat, oats, rye, barley, the gluten protein

found in grains

b.. Fruits and vegetables: lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs,

tomatoes, strawberries

c.. Dairy: milk, cheeses

d.. Other foods: nuts, chocolate, shellfish, soy, vinegar, French mustard

e.. Additives: cinnamonaldehyde (a flavoring agent), benzoic acid (a

preservative)

f.. Other substances: toothpastes, mints, gums, dental materials, metals,

medications

Hormonal changes.

Some women have reported that they find a relationship between the presence of

canker sores and certain phases of their menstrual period. It has also been

reported that a woman may notice a remission of canker sores during pregnancy.

Neither of these observations has been adequately documented nor explained by

research.

Genetics.

Some