Hey mama! When it comes to those pesky mouth sores, we often hear about cold sores, but canker sores are a whole different story. If you’ve ever had one, you know how painful they can be, but they’re not the same as cold sores. Cold sores usually show up around your lips, while canker sores pop up inside your mouth where it’s soft and sensitive.
The exact cause of canker sores is still a bit of a mystery, but things like smoking, getting a small injury inside your mouth, stress, or even missing some key nutrients might be to blame. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research mentions these factors as possible culprits.
The good news is that for most people, canker sores are pretty mild. In fact, about 85% of people who get them don’t have too much trouble, according to InformedHealth.org (via the National Library of Medicine). They usually heal on their own in about two weeks, though they can be quite painful for the first three to five days. During this time, your body’s inflammation response kicks in, and simple things like chewing or eating certain foods can make the pain worse. To help you avoid extra discomfort, let’s talk about some foods you might want to skip until that sore heals.
Steer Clear of These Foods
If you’re dealing with a canker sore, it’s best to avoid certain foods that could make things worse. For example, hard breads, like crusty rolls or toast, can scrape against the sore and make it more painful. The same goes for crispy snacks like chips and pretzels (InformedHealth.org, Alberta Health).
Spicy, acidic, or salty foods are also best avoided because they can irritate the sore. This includes things like hot sauce, chili peppers, and even certain fruits like grapes, blueberries, and pineapple, which are naturally acidic (per Healthline).
Dairy products might also be a trigger, so you might want to skip the yogurt, milk, and cheese while you’re dealing with a canker sore. Joshua M. Ignatowicz, DMD & Associates, notes that these foods could increase the risk of sores forming.
And finally, sugary drinks, especially soda, can make the inflammation worse. Not only do they have a lot of sugar, but the carbonation can make those sores sting even more.
Foods That Can Help
So, what can you eat when you have a canker sore? Soft foods are your best friend during this time. Things like cream soup are gentle on your mouth and can help protect the sore spots.
Instead of salty snacks, try to choose options with less salt, and go for fruits that are lower in acid, like bananas or coconuts (HealthCentral). Taking smaller bites can also make eating less painful.
Sticking to cooler foods and drinks is a smart move, too. If you’re craving soup, just make sure it’s not too hot before you dig in. Cold water and homemade fruit popsicles are also great options to help soothe your sore mouth until it’s healed.
However, if your canker sore just won’t go away, or if you start to feel feverish, it might be time to check in with a doctor. Sometimes, a lingering sore can be a sign of something more serious.
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