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Canker Sores

These small but painful ulcers occur in the mouth. They can develop on the gums, the tongue, inside the cheek or on the lips. Canker sores have a white center and a red border, they are contagious and occur most often in females. They vary in size from as small as a pinhead to the size of a quarter, and tend to appear quickly lasting for 4 - 21 days.

Canker sores can be triggered by a number of things including food allergies, stress, fatigue or poor dental hygiene. It is also suspected that people who are deficient of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 are more prone to canker sores.

What Can Help

A Chamomile mouth wash can soothe these painful ulcers. Place powdered chamomile into warm water and mix. Rinsing mouth 3 or 4 times daily is suggested. (see Chamomile in Herb Section for information on safety and allergic reactions)

How to Help Avoid Canker Sores
	Try to reduce stress - stress is often a major factor to recurrent canker sores
	Avoid eating those thing that can trigger attacks - chewing gum, sucking lozenges, chocolate, coffee and smoking are common culprits
	Eat plenty of salads & onions
	Avoid sugar and processed or refined foods

Supplements Worth Considering
	Vitamin B complex, 50mg daily - Improves immune system and aids healing
	Acidophilus - helps maintain healthy balance of friendly bacteria
	Garlic - natural antibiotic, stimulates immune system
	Zinc lozenges, do not exceed 50mgs daily - improves immune function