You take a bite of your favourite meal, and suddenly you feel a burning, stinging pain shooting through your mouth, sounds familiar? This can be caused due to canker sores. While stress and injuries can be factors, there are certain foods that cause canker sores. Canker sores might be small, but they sure know how to cause discomfort! These pesky ulcers can make eating, drinking, and even talking a challenge. While no one wants to play a guessing game with their diet, knowing which foods to avoid can save you from the agony. Let’s look at what could be making your mouth rebel!
What Are the Foods That Cause Canker Sores?
Some foods can irritate the inside of your mouth, triggering canker sores or making them worse. Here are some of the foods that might be causing trouble:
- Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes)
Citrus fruits come packed with vitamin C, but their acidity levels can be too harsh on sensitive mouths, leading to irritation and ulcers.
Nutritional Value (per 100g):
- Calories: 47
- Protein: 0.9g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 9g
Disadvantages:
- Being Highly acidic it can break down the delicate lining inside your mouth.
- It can worsen existing sores by causing stinging and discomfort.
- Tomatoes and Tomato-Based Products
Tomatoes are delicious and can elevate the taste of any dish but on the back of it, they are quite acidic and can aggravate sensitive areas in your mouth.
Nutritional Value (per 100g):
- Calories: 18
- Protein: 0.9g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 3.9g
- Sugar: 2.6g
Disadvantages:
- The acidity in them can irritate canker sores, making them more painful.
- Common in many foods, making them hard to avoid.
- Spicy Foods (Chilies, Hot Sauce)
Spicy foods can be a nightmare for those prone to canker sores, as they can trigger inflammation and pain greatly.
Nutritional Value (per 100g – Hot Sauce):
- Calories: 23
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4.6g
- Sugar: 2g
Disadvantages:
- The spiciness in the food can cause a burning sensation in your mouth.
- It can prolong the healing time of canker sores.
- Strawberries
While strawberries are packed with antioxidants, their tiny seeds and acidic content can be harsh on sensitive mouths.
Nutritional Value (per 100g):
- Calories: 32
- Protein: 0.7g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 7.7g
- Sugar: 4.9g
Disadvantages:
- The small seeds can get stuck in sore areas and irritate.
- Their acidity may lead to a burning sensation in sensitive mouths.
- Chocolate
Chocolate is a beloved treat but is rich in sugar content and theobromine, which can sometimes contribute to canker sores.
Nutritional Value (per 100g – Dark Chocolate):
- Calories: 546
- Protein: 4.9g
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Sugar: 48g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Disadvantages:
- Sugar can promote bacteria growth, making sores worse.
- The theobromine in it can trigger sensitivities in some people.
- Nuts
Nuts are packed with nutrients, but their rough texture can create small cuts inside your mouth, leading to canker sores.
Nutritional Value (per 100g – Almonds):
- Calories: 579
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 4.4g
Disadvantages:
- Their rough texture can cause microtears in your mouth.
- With high arginine content, it may contribute to sore formation.
- Processed and Salty Snacks
Chips and pretzels may be tasty, but their sharp edges can irritate your mouth, leading to painful sores.
Nutritional Value (per 100g – Potato Chips):
- Calories: 536
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Sugar: 0.4g
Disadvantages:
- The sharp edges can scrape against the inside of your mouth, triggering sores.
- It has a high salt content that can dry out and irritate oral tissues.
What Are the Drinks That Cause Canker Sores?
Apart from foods, certain drinks can also contribute to canker sores. Here are some of the most common drinks and beverages that can cause irritation or worsen canker sores:
- Coffee and Tea
This drink usually contains high caffeine and tannin while also being acidic. This can dry out your mouth and worsen the canker sores.
Nutritional Value (per 100ml):
- Calories: 2
- Protein: 0.1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.3g
- Sugar: 0g
Disadvantages:
- Can increase acidity levels in the mouth.
- This may lead to dehydration and worsening mouth sensitivity.
- Alcohol
Alcohol can dry out your mouth and increase irritation.
Nutritional Value (per 100ml):
- Calories: 43
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3.6g
- Sugar: 0g
Disadvantages:
- It dries out oral tissues, making sores more painful.
- Can weaken the immune system, making healing slower.
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
Fizzes can cause irritation, and sugar promotes bacterial growth. In addition, sodas are high in sugar and acidity, which can trigger canker sores.
Nutritional Value (per 100g – Cola):
- Calories: 42
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10.6g
- Sugar: 10.6g
Disadvantages:
- High sugar promotes bacterial growth.
- Carbonation can irritate sensitive tissues.
- Energy Drinks
Packed with caffeine and sugar, these drinks can be very acidic and cause mouth irritation.
Disadvantages:
- High sugar content can contribute to mouth inflammation.
- Acidity can erode oral tissues, worsening sores.
What Are the Allergic Foods That Cause Canker Sores?
Not all allergic foods cause canker sores, but some find certain foods that may worsen the situation. Some people experience canker sores due to mild food allergies, and some of the common triggers include:
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) due to lactose intolerance or casein sensitivity.
- Gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye) may cause irritation in gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Nuts and shellfish can cause allergic reactions, leading to inflammation in the mouth.
If you notice sores appearing after eating specific foods, it’s worth paying attention to potential allergies!
What Are the Other Risk Factors for Canker Sore Cause?
Aside from food, several other health factors can contribute to canker sore causes that are painful. Some of these factors are as follows:
- Stress and fatigue can weaken the immune system, making you more prone to mouth ulcers.
- Biting your cheek or tongue accidentally can lead to sores.
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women, may trigger canker sores.
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially in B12, zinc, folic acid, and iron, are linked to recurring sores.
When to see a Bandon Dentist for Canker Sores?
If your canker sores persist for more than two weeks, become unusually large, or making it impossible to eat or drink, it is the right time to visit our dental clinic in Bandon. Persistent or severe sores may indicate an underlying health condition, and an emergency dentist can help rule out infections or other serious issues.
Don’t Let Canker Sores Ruin Your Meals!
Nobody wants their favourite foods to turn against them! If you’re frequently dealing with painful sores, making small changes to your diet and avoiding foods that cause canker sores can help you enjoy meals without discomfort. In addition, avoiding acidic, spicy, and highly processed foods may reduce flare-ups, and staying hydrated can speed up healing. If you ever need professional advice, your Bandon dentist is just a call away. Stay mindful of what you eat, and keep your smile pain-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What foods trigger canker sores the most?
Acidic fruits, spicy foods, and processed snacks are common triggers.
- Can stress cause canker sores?
Yes, stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and trigger outbreaks.
- How can you get a canker sore?
They can develop from minor injuries, acidic foods, stress, and vitamin deficiencies.
- Are canker sores contagious?
No, they are not contagious like cold sores.
- What’s the fastest way to heal a canker sore?
Avoid irritating foods, use saltwater rinses, and apply over-the-counter oral gels.