Mangosteen For the Treatment And Prevention Of Canker Sores & Gum Disease

How many times have you experienced having those annoying canker sores? Not only are canker sores annoying; they are also undeniably painful.

Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are painful breaks in the mucous membranes often found in the mouth. Sometimes, they can also be present in the upper throat. Although these little sores are not contagious, they can interfere with your eating and speaking because of the pain that accompanies them.

Causes

Although no one can point out the exact cause of canker sores, there are several factors that contribute to their development. One very important factor is the individual’s immune system. As in all other types of diseases, a person with a weak immune system is more vulnerable to having canker sores than those whose immune systems are stronger.

Any injury in the mouth can also cause canker sores. For example, going to the dentist for some dental procedure can cause stress to certain areas of your mouth and cause canker sores. Also, brushing your teeth too vigorously, eating spicy foods, or accidentally biting your cheeks can also injure your mouth and pave the way for the development of canker sores.

There are also bacteria that can cause aphthous ulcers, such as the Helicobacter pylori for example. If you are familiar with peptic ulcers, then you must know that the H. pylori bacterium is also pointed out as the main culprit in peptic ulcers. It is no wonder that H. pylori is also considered as one of the causes of mouth ulcers.

With regard to diet, it has already been mentioned above that spicy foods can lead to the development of canker sores. This goes to the same for people whose diets lack folate, zinc, vitamin B12, and iron-rich foods.

Canker sores can also be secondary to certain diseases. Examples of these diseases include celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Behcet’s disease, and AIDS.

Other causes include allergies to foods and components of toothpastes and mouth rinses, hormonal shifts, emotional stress, and highly acidic fruits.

Symptoms

It is pretty easy to spot a canker sore, considering that they look unusual in the mouth. They are either round or oval in shape, with their centers colored yellow or white. Since these are sores, their borders are inflamed with a red color. They can be found almost anywhere in your mouth–inside the cheek, on the tongue or under it, beneath the lips, or even on the gums.

Before a canker sore appears, the site where it is going to grow feels a little tingly or painful. One to two days after the pain starts, the sore will begin to appear. Aside from the appearance of the sore, other symptoms that may be present include fever, restlessness, and swollen lymph nodes.

There are three types of canker sores. The minor canker sores are the most common ones, measuring around 3-10 mm. only. They are yellowish in color, with a red halo circling them. Although it disappears in about two weeks, they can be pretty painful.

The second type is the major canker sores, which are larger than the minor ones, measuring more than 10 mm. and having irregular margins. Like the minor canker sores, they are also extremely painful, and will take more than a month to heal. There are even ones that stretch on for years. Once they heal, they usually leave scars.

Finally, the herpetiform canker sores are considered to be the most severe, since they are composed of dozens of minor canker sores that are clustered together, often creating a single large ulcer. They heal within a month, and usually do not scar.

Treatment

Treatments for minor canker sores are usually unnecessary, since these sores heal by themselves. However, they should be properly managed at home so that they heal quickly and do not cause excessive pain.

A person with a canker sore must avoid eating hot or spicy foods, since these can further aggravate the pain. Mouthwashes can be used, and these can either be bought in drug stores or made at home. One home remedy that is said to be effective against canker sores is a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Using a cotton swab, this mixture must be applied to the canker sore to help soothe it.

Another home remedy is a mixture of Benadryl and Milk of Magnesia. Instead of applying it, however, it should be gurgled for about a minute to soothe the pain.

However, larger sores might need some medical intervention. Oral medications are usually prescribed, such as steroids. Also, since one of the possible causes of canker sores is nutritional deficiency, the physician may choose to prescribe nutritional supplements for folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, and zinc.

If you are looking for a more natural treatment option, you may want to try mangosteen supplements. Researches on the benefits of mangosteen showed that the fruit contains xanthones, which are responsible for mangosteen’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Hence, mangosteen can be used as a natural treatment for diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. Since one of the possible causes of canker sores is bacteria, it follows that mangosteen supplements can actually help get rid of canker sores. In fact, there had been a lot of testimonials with regard to the healing properties of mangosteen.

Most of the nutrients of mangosteen come from the pericarp, which is usually not eaten in the raw fruit because it is hard and bitter. Mangosteen supplements are able to utilize the nutrients found in the mangosteen pericarp because it is separated from the pulp and freeze-dried afterwards. In fact, the freeze-dried form is a lot better than the liquid form because the former does not contain additives that are otherwise found in the juice form. This means that you are getting 100% of all the nutrients found in a mangosteen fruit.

Prevention

Almost everyone gets afflicted by canker sores at least once in their life. However, it will not hurt to at least try out some measures in preventing the occurrence of canker sores. For one, the food that one eats plays an important factor in the prevention of canker sores. Highly irritating foods, such as spicy, salty, or acidic ones, should be avoided. If you have food allergies, it is also best to avoid them not just because of canker sores, but because of the possible allergic reactions that you might ignite. Instead, choose to eat healthy foods, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Yogurt is also a great addition to your diet, since this contains beneficial bacteria that might help prevent canker sores.

Oral hygiene is also important, not just for the prevention of canker sores but for the avoidance of other mouth diseases as well. Simple brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing at least once a day can help keep your mouth clean. To avoid mouth injuries that can possibly lead to canker sores, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, you need to protect your mouth, especially if you are using braces that have sharp edges. Visit the dentist at least twice a year to keep your oral health in check.