Mouth sores can be caused by cuts or lacerations in the mouth. People sometimes get them from chewing or biting the inside of their cheek or lip, they may get cut by a retainer, braces, dentures, or a sharp tooth. Mouth sores can also be an infection caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. Mouth sores and ulcers should disappear within a week. If they don’t, they could be a sign of a more serious problem, and should be checked by a physician.

If a bacteria or virus contributes to a mouth sore or ulcer, it will look white and be surrounded by red, inflamed tissue. This type of mouth sore is called a canker sore. People with a weakened immune system or autoimmune disorder are more likely to suffer from recurrent canker sores. They seem to be aggravated by stress, hormonal changes, and a lack of sufficient nutrition.

Vitamin deficiency is generally viewed as the root cause of most canker sore outbreaks. Insufficient intake of vitamins weakens the immune system and leaves cells vulnerable to damage by invading bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C is responsible for healing burns and lacerations, which includes canker sores. However, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy level of vitamin C in the body.

Our vitamin C levels can drop within seconds of experiencing stress, drinking alcohol, smoking, or being exposed to chemicals. With processed foods containing so many chemicals, household cleaners, today’s stress levels, and pollution, it’s a wonder that we are not all deficient in this essential vitamin. Vitamin C forms a protective barrier for each cell, which helps it to fight off invasion by bacteria, free radicals, and viruses. Without it, we have a weakened immune system and are susceptible to canker sore outbreaks.

Now, you might think that you could simply go drink some orange juice and get better. However, canker sores are aggravated by acid and will actually get worse if you consume it. Your next guess is probably that you should take a vitamin C supplement. But, not all supplements are made in the same way. The best vitamin C for canker sores is actually a buffered vitamin C. Buffered vitamin C comes in the form of vitamin C powder. The acidity is neutralized in this form, so look for it before you buy vitamins.

Vitamin C supplementation is recommended to help prevent and treat canker sores and other forms of mouth sores. It strengthens cell membranes, encourages faster healing, boosts the immune system, and helps the body rid itself of dangerous chemicals, viruses, and bacteria. Remember to talk with your doctor about your canker sores if they last longer than a week, as they could be a symptom of something more serious.

About the Author: Phil Le Breton, the owner at Wholesale Nutrition, has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health with vitamins and supplements. Wholesale Nutrition has the best vitamin C powder on the market (C-Salts). Visit http://www.nutri.com to buy vitamins or buy supplements of the highest quality.