Am I At Risk Of Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores)?

Have you had a minor injury to your mouth from dental work?

Have you had an accidental biting of the inside of your cheek?

Do you often have an injury from a toothbrush (such as slipping while brushing)?

Do you feel constant rubbing against misaligned or sharp teeth?

Do you have constant rubbing against dentures or braces?

Do you have poor oral hygiene (you do not brush your teethes after meals and floss once a day)?

As far as you know, do you use toothpastes and mouth rinses that containing sodium lauryl sulfate?

Do you often have irritation from strong antiseptics, such as a mouthwash?

Have you recently experienced significant stress or major life changes?

Do you often have burns from eating hot food?

Do you have food sensitivities, especially to chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, and spicy or acidic foods?

As far as you know, do you eat a diet poor in vitamin B-12, zinc, foliate (folic acid) or iron?

Are you a woman in 20s?

Do you have a family history of canker sores?

Have you been diagnosed with any of the following medical conditions: celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or Behcet’s disease?

Do you have an oral thrush infection or a cold sore (herpes simplex viral infection)?

Have you had skin rashes in the mouth (for example, lichen planus)?

Do you have any long-term illness?

Based on your answers you have a low risk for mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores are painful lesions that may appear in your mouth. They are very common, especially among young women. Canker sores are quite harmless, but can be very unpleasant to live with. To prevent mouth ulcers, your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You need to have good oral hygiene habits that include regular brushing after meals and flossing once a day. Always use a soft toothbrush to prevent irritation to sensitive tissues in your mouth.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk for mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers are lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth at the base of your gums. Although harmless, they can be very painful causing you difficulty eating and talking. Most mouth ulcers are oval shaped with a white or yellow center and the red edge.

Based on your answers you have a high risk for mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers or canker sores are lesions that develop in your mouth due to erosion of the oral mucosa caused by various reasons. A common cause of mouth ulcers is a mechanical injury, such as an accidental bite to the inside of your cheek, but a combination of factors is thought to contribute to the onset of mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers are not contagious but they can recur and some people get them frequently. People with chronic illnesses often have mouth ulcers, so make sure you eat a nutritious diet and keep your health under control.