Mouth ulcers are little white sores that occur inside the mouth. Because of the high density of nerve ending in the mouth, they are very painful.

 

The recommended pain relief for mouth ulcers is to use a local anesthetic such as Diflam Rinse, which can be swirled about the mouth. After the local anesthetic is applied a healing gel is required.

 

Saliva contains an enzyme called Amylase. The role of this enzyme is to break down food as it is chewed in the mouth. This Amylase tends to erode any healing of the mouth ulcer and it is only when the Amylase is blocked from the ulcer that healing can really get underway.

 

A product such as Aloclair, which comes as a gel or handy mouth wash is an ideal product to block and protect the mouth ulcer from your Saliva. Older products such as Orabase are also effective but are less pleasant to use.  

 

 

 

 

 

Mouth Ulcers & Nutrition

 

 

Several studies have shown the link between a deficiency in the B Vitamins and in particular Vit-B12 deficiency, and the occurrence of mouth ulcers or canker sores.

 

This correlation between mouth ulcers & B12 deficiency is particularly valid with children, who have a greater need for thisnutrient (as they are growing) and also have a lesser tendency to eat foods rich in it (because they are vegetable dodgers).

 

Research also shows that there is a relationship between the other B vitamins & mouth ulcers, including B1 (Thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B6 (pyridoxine). Consequently, the use of a B complex rather than specific B supplements may be beneficial in the prevention of mouth ulcers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further studies have also found mouth ulcers to correspond to a deficiency in Folic acid, Zinc, and Iron. 

 

One study, in particular, demonstrated that iron deficiency increases the probability of mouth ulcers by as much as 50%.

 

Calcium deficiency, rather than causing mouth ulcers seems to worsen them. 

 

 

 

Causes of Canker Sores

 

 

Causes of cracks at the side of the mouth, which has the medical term of Angular cheilitis, include dehydration, excess salivation, and nutrient deficiency.

 

Iron and Vit B2 (riboflavin) deficiency correlate with the occurrence of these sores.

 

Foods that are good sources of iron include meat (especially liver), dark leafy green vegetables, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds & whole grains.

 

Foods rich in thiamine, riboflavin, & pyridoxine include meat, poultry, whole grains, fish, dairy, eggs, green vegetables, legumes, nuts, & seeds. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L Lysine is used in the treatment of Mouth ulcers

 

L Lysine is an essential amino acid. It is used by the body to build all proteins and is particularly important in the formation of collagen for tissue repair. As it cannot be made by the body it must be obtained through a well-balanced diet.

As well as for bone development and collagen production it is also used for both the prevention and the treatment of Mouth ulcers & cold sores. With cold sores, it blocks the growth of the virus, Herpes simplex, which causes cold sores.

 

As a result, L-Lysine shortens the duration of a cold sore. With mouth ulcers, its role is to stimulate wound healing.

 

 

 

 

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Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

 

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

 

 

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