What Foods to Avoid When You Have Canker Sores?

Canker sores are painful lesions of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, which can considerably influence the quality of everyday life. These small ulcers cause discomfort and can prevent us from enjoying our favourite meals.

In addition to the treatments we find in pharmacies, nutrition plays an important role in their healing. Certain foods can worsen symptoms and slow down the healing process, so knowing which foods to avoid is essential.

What are canker sores, and why do they cause discomfort?

Cancers are small, round or oval ulcers that appear inside the oral cavity and cause us real discomfort. They can appear due to various causes, such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, local trauma, or even some foods we eat. Canker sores can greatly diminish the quality of everyday life, depriving us of the small pleasures of eating, such as enjoying a tasty meal.

The pain and burning sensation caused by canker sores can make any apparently harmless food become irritating. In addition to the recommended treatments, it is essential to adjust the diet to speed up healing.

What foods should be avoided when you have canker sores?

• Spicy foods should be excluded from the diet during the period of mouth ulcers. Capsaicin, the substance responsible for the burning sensation we feel when we eat spicy foods, irritates the lesions and worsens the inflammation. Thus, the consumption of spicy foods can intensify the pain and slow down the healing process.
• Acidic fruits. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit, are high in acid, which can make canker sores worse. Acid fruits can even cause canker sores in some people. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid them until complete healing.
• Coffee and tea. Both coffee and tea have an acidic pH, which can worsen the symptoms of canker sores. In addition, caffeine can dehydrate the body, and hydration is essential in the healing process, mentions the dentist.
• The tomatoes. Although very healthy, tomatoes are acidic and can irritate lesions in the oral cavity. The high acidity of tomatoes can aggravate the symptoms of canker sores, causing additional irritation.
• Carbonated drinks. They are harmful to canker sores because of the acid and sugar they contain. The acidity of these drinks intensifies the discomfort, and the sugar contributes to inflammation, slowing down healing.
• Alcohol. It is not recommended for canker sores, as it dries the mouth and increases acidity. A dry mouth does not heal easily because saliva plays an important role in the protection and regeneration of tissues.
• Crunchy and hard foods. Foods with a rough texture, such as toast or crisps, can cause further damage. Such foods can further injure the affected area, prolonging the healing process.

Foods recommended for curing mouth ulcers

To speed up healing, it is good to eat soft and neutral foods such as yoghurt, purees and soups that are warm but not hot. Adequate hydration is also essential, so plain water and herbal teas are recommended. A balanced diet, rich in non-irritating foods, can make the difference between a quick healing and prolonged suffering.