Canker sores, otherwise known as aphthous ulcers, are small and superficial ulcers. They are typically not dangerous and do eventually go away on their own, but they can keep coming back which is annoying. For sufferers or those trying to avoid pain, getting to the bottom of the link between canker sores and the immune system is essential. You might wonder too because it is very easy to get frustrated with their continual reappearance as explained by a dentist in Maryville, TN. This article will break down the immunological context of canker sores as well as some approaches toward enhancing your body`s defense mechanisms and hence cutting down on these nuisance eruptions.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are shallow, round, or oval ulcers that develop on the inside of lips, cheeks, at the base of your gums, or even soft palate. A white or yellow center with a red circle around it. This means, that unlike cold sores (which are also due to the herpes simplex virus and happen on the outer lip), these ulcers are not contagious.
Causes of Canker Sores
While we do not know what exactly causes canker sores, several factors are known to cause summary:
- Mouth Injury: Allowing accidental bites, dental work, or rough foods to injure the genital tissues inside of the mouth opens the gates for sores.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of B12, folic acid, and minerals iron and zinc can lead to canker sores.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, especially in women, may cause a person to experience canker sores.
- Emotional stress has been shown to break down the immune system, leading to an increased risk of having canker sores.
- Food Sensitivities: Some people may have an intolerance or allergic reaction to certain foods such as nuts, citrus fruits, or chocolate that can cause the development of canker sores.
How Does the Immune System Tie into Canker Sores?
The immune system also plays a major role in the occurrence and healing of canker sores. An impaired or hyperactive immunity can give rise to these eruptive painful ulcers. Canker sores also have a strong relation to autoimmune conditions which occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells in your mouth.
Immune System Triggers
Numerous things can compromise the immune system and predispose individuals to recurrent aphthae:
- Chronic Stress: When the stress isn’t managed and persists for so long, the immune function is likely to be depressed causing an increased vulnerability to all manner of bugs and wounds.
- Not eating the proper nutrients: A diet not rich in the essential vitamins and minerals can affect your immunity, since every system capable of healing maintaining, and repairing needs to be fed — poverty of any kind will hinder such mechanisms.
- Reduced Sleep: Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and repair itself.
- General Health: Autoimmune diseases or conditions that weaken the immune system (eg, HIV/AIDS) can cause regular canker sores as well.
Even though they are frequently only a minor annoyance, canker sores may indicate a compromised immune system. Residents in Maryville, Tennessee, may fortify their body’s defenses by knowing the link between canker sores and immunological health. To prevent canker sores and promote general health, it’s important to have a balanced diet, manage stress, get enough sleep, remain hydrated, avoid trigger foods, practice proper oral hygiene, and schedule routine dental checkups. By putting these precautions in place, you may live a more comfortable, healthier life and lessen the incidence of canker sores.
