MOUTH ULCERS CAN BE A SIGN OF VITAMIN DEFICIENCY – BLOG #65

MOUTH ULCERS CAN BE A SIGN OF VITAMIN DEFICIENCY – BLOG #66
Dr. Spiker Davis D.D.S.  713-781-2800    Dr. Matt Guerre D.D.S. 713-781-2800
In collaboration with Dr. John Seger M.D. Cardiologist 713-791-9444
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I believe the mouth is the WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH. I also believe that as individuals we need to take care of our health-nobody else is going to do it for us.

WHAT ARE MOUTH ULCERS? Some people call them canker sores or cold sores or fever blisters. There are some differences. All these are painful, sore, open spots on the gums, the roof of the mouth, inner lips, tongue, or throat. Because it is a sore spot it is tender to touch or brush and may interfere with swallowing or eating. They are usually small oval-shaped spots that appear white, gray, or yellow. They often have a red “halo” around them indicating irritation or inflammation. They usually last one to two weeks but if they last longer, you should consult your dentist or physician.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MOUTH ULCERS? Mouth ulcers can be caused by several different factors including but not limited to vitamin deficiencies, poor nutrition, minor tissue injuries such as biting your cheek, wearing braces or retainers, certain chemicals in toothpaste, acidic foods, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.

HOW ARE MOUTH ULCERS TREATED? Most people have had some experience with a mouth ulcer and most people know that they usually heal on their own, but who wants a mouth sore ulcer for 2 weeks? Treatments range from over-the-counter ointments to antiseptic gels, steroid ointments, prescription medications, mouth rinses, and old wife’s tales or home remedies. In my opinion, I prefer to try the home remedies first, as I am just not a fan of taking prescription drugs if there is something else that is simple. Let’s look at home remedies.

1. Take 1,000-2,000 mg of vitamin C per day.
2. Take vitamin 2.4 micrograms of B-12 per day.
3. Eliminate all sugar and foods with preservatives as these are inflammatory.
4. Topical anesthetics to ease the pain such as Orajel or Anbesol. These will not make it heal any faster, but they lessen the discomfort.
5. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration feeds the process.
6. Practice good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing twice daily.
7. Rinse with warm salt water. This can be very soothing, and I think it speeds up the healing somewhat.
8. Avoid any foods that are hot and or spicy.
9. Avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and grapefruits.
10. MY NUMBER ONE FAVORITE THAT I GOT FROM MY GRANDMOTHER IS ALUM. Alum is used to make pickles and it can be found in any grocery store over where the spices are. The problem is that you have to apply it within the first hour that you notice or feel the ulcer coming on. If you wait till the next day, it is too late. To apply, lick a Q-tip and dip it into the Alum (it’s a powder and will make a paste), and apply the paste directly to the sore even if you can’t see it. Once the sore opens up apply every hour on the hour for 6-8 hours and leave it there for a minute if you can stand it. It tastes horrible, but If treated in this manner, it is usually gone by the next day. I keep alum on hand at the house at all times.

CAN MOUTH ULCERS BE PREVENTED? You cannot prevent mouth ulcers altogether but there are many things you can do to reduce the risk or frequency. You are probably tired of hearing this but, brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush as the stiff brushes can irritate the area even more. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and of course, I recommend eating a PALEO DIET. That means don’t eat any sugar because sugar increases inflammation in the body. I haven’t had a mouth ulcer of any kind since I started eating PALEO as it is a very anti-inflammatory lifestyle diet. Be sure to take Vitamin C and vitamin B-12 regularly. I take a multivitamin every day and I use the ones that are made from natural organic
compounds rather than made in a chemistry lab. I think that most people don’t eat a balanced diet and most people eat way too much sugar. How can you get your vitamins and nutrients when you eat junk food or lots of food with preservatives, additives, sugar, and chemicals in them???

One other IMPORTANT COMMENT-It is possible that mouth ulcers can be a sign of COVID-19! Recent studies indicate that mouth ulcers may appear during the infectious period of COVID-19. When in doubt get tested or see your physician.

SUMMARY-It is obvious that your mouth is the window to your health. Abnormal conditions in the mouth can be very indicative of other systemic health conditions. In many cases, if your mouth is unhealthy there is a good probability that something somewhere else in your body also needs attention. ULCERS IN GENERAL AREN’T USUALLY DANGEROUS BUT THEY CAN CERTAINLY BE PAINFUL AND INCONVENIENT. It’s never too late- Practice good oral hygiene, avoid sugar Go see your dentist, and get back on track with regular cleanings. Follow that up by seeing your physician for a physical. Pay SPECIAL ATTENTION TO YOUR DIET AND YOUR ORAL HYGIENE!

I want to wish you and our entire country a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

“THE MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”. BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE DAILY, AVOID SUGAR FOR 2022 AND SEE YOUR DENTIST AND PHYSICIAN REGULARLY.

Spiker Davis D.D.S. spiker@thepaleodentist.com John Seger M.D. Matt Guerre D.D.S.
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