Aphthous stomatitis
Prevention
You can reduce your chance of getting common mouth sores by:
- Avoiding very hot foods or beverages
- Reducing stress and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation
You can avoid irritation by:
- Chewing slowly
- Using a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Visiting your dentist right away if you have a sharp or broken tooth or misfitting dentures
If you seem to get canker sores often, talk to your doctor about taking folate and vitamin B12 to prevent outbreaks.
To prevent the spread of herpes sores, do not kiss or have oral sex with someone who has a cold sore or fever blister. Do not participate in these activities when you have an active cold sore. Do not share razors, lip balm, toothbrushes, or lipsticks.
To prevent cancerous mouth sores:
- Do not smoke or use tobacco.
- Limit alcohol to two drinks per day.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your lips. Wear a lip balm with SPF 15 at all times.
References
Daniels TE. Diseases of the mouth and salivary glands. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 451.
Review Date: 11/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
