In today's ultra-modern society, there remains a condition known as Recurrent Aphthous Stomatisis (RAS) that affects 54 million Americans, about 20 percent of the nation's population. It doesn't discriminate based on age, gender, ethnic group or economic status, but freely wreaks its lifestyle-hampering effects on a diverse population. This ailment, more commonly known as "canker sores," "cold sores," or "mouth ulcers," has silently plagued our population for centuries. Still it remains one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed oral illnesses affecting our nation.
Fortunately, the recently released, "Canker Sore Relief Guide" now identifies the numerous irritants that provoke the onset of canker lesions and outlines effective methods of eradicating its source. Compiled by the staff at The Dental Zone Inc., the guide provides an assortment of proven oral treatments and products. For more information on The Canker Sore Relief Guide ($27 + $2.95 S&H) along with a list of other effective canker sore relief products, visit The Dental Zone online at www.saveyoursmile.com or call (888) 309-1326 or by mail at 3741 Walnut St., #402 Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Brushing for oral health is a national pastime. Still, few realize that choosing the right toothpaste is as essential as brushing with clean water. Numerous interviews with people who suffer from these lesions revealed that a common culprit leading to oral ulcers is found in most toothpaste brands - Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS). The additive SLS is a detergent that creates a foaming effect while brushing. However, for millions who privately suffer with painful canker sores, the use of a toothpaste containing SLS can be equivalent to an allergy sufferer brushing daily with a dose of pollen.
Eating for oral health
The advantage of a nutrient-enriched diet does affect our oral heath and aids in quelling the effects of canker sore-provoking irritants. Moreover, women are particularly vulnerable due to the loss of precious nutrients, minerals and iron during the menstrual cycle. By mapping a strategy for replenishing the body with vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Folic Acid and Iron, we can fortify our bodies against oral lesions and disease.
In addition, slashing complex wheat, rye, barley and flour has also proven to be successful in controlling RAS. Likewise, suffers who eliminated comfort foods such as shellfish, figs, nuts and chocolate also experienced significant relief from the painful lesions.
Canker vs. Cold Sore Myths
It is important to differentiate between canker sores and cold sores (a.k.a., fever blisters). Cold sores are a contagious symptom caused by the herpes simplex virus. Surprisingly, most of us are infected with the virus as children. In fact, about 80 percent of the population has the simplex virus, which remains dormant in the nerve cells of our face. While most people will never experience any symptoms, about 20 to 30 percent of those infected will reactivate the virus. Once it is activated, it travels down the nerve cells to the skin surrounding the lips, causing a tingling sensation prior to the appearance of vesicles or fluid-filled blisters. During this stage, the simplex virus is highly contagious.
On the other hand, canker sores are caused by a variety of agents (stress, allergic reaction to chemicals and foods, genetic factors, etc.) and like a bad case of hives are NOT contagious nor virus related. The lesions appear as shallow ulcers inside the mouth and while anti-viral medication have proven ineffective in treating canker sores, a lifetime of relief can be gained by eliminating the irritants that provoke their onset.
