Are Mouth Sores Hereditary?

Would you believe that canker sore occurrences tend to be based on heredity or at least on shared experiences within the family?

While the exact causes are yet to be determined, if your parents or siblings have cankers then the chance of you developing them is more likely than it is for someone who does not have a family history with the oral bumps. If you’re waiting for an answer as to why this is so, you will have to wait a little longer. The connection is apparent, but once again the cause still eludes researchers.

Here are some other factors that seem to sometimes lead to occurrences:

• When you are tired or going through a particularly stressful time you may be at greater risk. Stress and fatigue can lower the resistance of the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

• During their period, women appear to be more susceptible. This may be explained by hormonal changes.

• Dental work (especially braces), which can lead to rubbing inside the mouth and other irritations seems to put you at higher risk.

• Allergies, particular allergies to foods can increase your likelihood of getting a sore. Determining which foods give you problems may be a drawn out process, but if you can find the offending culprits the time will have been well spent.

• Acidic foods may be a cause. Even foods such as oranges that are generally considered healthy can be harmful in this area.

It certainly helps to thoroughly clean your mouth (inside and outside) before and after a meal or drink; especially when you eat or drink those foods and drinks that are considered the cause for this condition.

Finding the cause can be like searching for the proverbial needle in the haystack, but keep looking. What do you have to lose? It is to your benefit to pin point and know exactly what triggers your this painful oral pain for you.