what causes canker sores

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow open wounds or ulcers in the mouth that can make eating and talking uncomfortable. The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear, but researchers suspect that a combination of factors contributes to outbreaks, even in the same person. Possible triggers for canker sores include stress, tissue injury, certain foods, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, allergies, and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can cause peptic ulcers. Complex canker sores may be caused by underlying health conditions like a weakened immune system, HIV/AIDS, lupus, or Behcet’s disease, as well as nutritional deficiencies in vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, or iron. Additionally, gastrointestinal diseases like celiac or Crohn’s, and hormonal differences, may also contribute to the development of canker sores. Its important to note that canker sores are not contagious and are not caused by an infection. While canker sores often recur, there are steps that can be taken to reduce their frequency, such as avoiding foods that seem to irritate the mouth, using a soft brush to prevent irritation to delicate mouth tissues, and protecting the mouth from injury. If canker sores persist or continue to return, tests should be done to look for other causes, such as erythema multiforme, drug allergies, herpes infection, and bullous lichen planus. Its also important to seek medical attention if there are frequent or lasting mouth sores, as they may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as a serious skin disorder, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Behcets disease, autoimmune disease, anemia, HIV, or, in rare cases, oral cancer or leukemia.