Ulcers inside your mouth, called canker sores, are painful and annoying. They affect your ability to eat and talk, and can be embarrassing. More than twenty percent of Americans have canker sores, and they are very common among teenagers. Why are teens the target of this painful problem?

One of the reasons that teenagers get these shallow ulcers on the mucous membranes inside their mouths is the fact that hormones are typically raging inside the body during these years. Teen years bring with them lots of changes in the human body, and the active hormones affect many body systems. One such system is your immune system, which allows you to get sick and feel run-down. When your immune system is weakened, canker sores are more likely to hit.

Braces are another cause for canker sores in teens. This age group wears orthodontic braces more than any other age, and it is common for the dental appliances to poke your mouth and cause canker sores. Also, teenagers eat lots of sweet and salty snacks, which tend to irritate and dry the mouth. Acidic foods are also known to trigger canker sores, such as citrus fruits and drinks like orange juice.

To avoid getting canker sores, try to get plenty of rest and reduce stress so that your immune system remains strong. It may also be helpful to take vitamins to strengthen your system. Avoid eating the foods that you’ve noticed trigger sores in your mouth, and keep dental wax handy to cover any parts of your braces that poke your mouth.

If you get a canker sore, you must be patient and let it run its course. Rinse your mouth often to keep it clean from food particles, and you can try over-the-counter products made to deaden canker sore pain. The main thing is to wait it out, and to try to avoid getting one in the future.

Dr. Yolanda Cruz – Teen Dentist in Toronto – Schedule your appointment today!