Causes of Canker Sores

There is no definitive answer as to what causes a canker sore.  It is thought that several factors work together to cause these sores to form.  These factors include:

•    Sensitivity to food-eating foods such as acidic fruits, chocolate, coffee, nuts, eggs or strawberries can all irritate the mucosal lining of the mouth.

•    Injury to the oral cavity-biting the cheek in error, sports injury, dental work, or aggressive tooth brushing can all damage the mouth.

•    Allergies to different foods.

•    Lack of iron, folic acid, zinc or Vitamin B-12.

•    An allergic reaction to different types of oral bacteria.

•    Presence of Helicobacter pyloria, a bacteria that causes ulcers.