Can #Mouthguard Cause #ChronicCankerSores? #FootReflexologyforCankers #HealingPlaceEnergySchool

Can your mouthguard be the cause of chronic canker sores? Once your canker sore heals, do you get new ones? Is eating become too difficult and painful because of chronic canker sores?

What are Canker Sores?

Herpetic stomatitis is a viral mouth infection that causes canker sores and ulcers. Once you have this virus, it lives within your body forever in a dormant state until triggered.

What Triggers Canker Sores?

Emotional stress, dietary deficiencies, menstrual periods, hormonal changes, food allergies, lack of sleep, trauma, or illness can trigger a canker sore. Canker sores usually heal without treatment within two weeks. The mouth is the origination of the digestive tract.

Mouthguards are typically worn during physical activities, such as sports, to protect the mouth’s teeth, jaws, and soft tissues from injuries or while sleeping to protect the teeth from clenching and grinding. 

In my case, I learned after wearing my mouthguard while sleeping for 20 years was the culprit of my chronic canker sores. Why? I got lazy about thoroughly cleaning my mouthguard. 

Mouthguards do not directly cause canker sores; other factors may contribute to causing canker sores when wearing a mouthguard:

1. Friction and irritation: Mouth guards are rigid and can rub against delicate gums, cheeks, and tongue tissues. Continuous friction and irritation from the mouth guard can develop canker sores in susceptible individuals.
2. Poorly fitting mouth guard: If the mouth guard does not fit properly, it can create pressure points and rub against specific areas in the mouth, increasing the likelihood of developing canker sores. Ill-fitting mouthguards can cause excessive irritation and inflammation, leading to the formation of sores.
3. Allergic reactions: In some cases, individuals may be allergic to the materials used in the mouthguard causing irritation and tissue damage, potentially resulting in canker sores.
4. Poor mouthguard hygiene: Not cleaning the mouthguard is one of the leading causes of canker sores. Without regular cleaning causing, bacteria multiply and build up on the mouthguard quicker than you think.

It’s important to note not everyone who wears a mouth guard will develop canker sores. Some people are prone to developing these sores due to their sensitivities or oral health conditions. To minimize the risk of canker sores while wearing a mouth guard, consider the following tips:

1. Ensure proper fit: Ensure your mouth guard fits well and has no sharp edges or rough areas that could irritate delicate mouth tissues. Custom-made mouthguards created by a dental professional tend to provide a better fit and reduce the risk of irritation, especially if you grind your teeth during sleep. 
2. Good oral hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and gums regularly and rinsing with antiseptic mouth rinse or hydrogen peroxide helps to keep your mouth clean. I have found rinsing with hydrogen peroxide extremely helpful in reducing canker sores.
3. Regular mouthguard cleaning: Clean your mouthguard thoroughly after each use to remove any bacteria or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. What I found helpful was to soak my mouthguard in hydrogen peroxide or vinegar for 30 minutes upon awakening. Or follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult your dentist for specific cleaning recommendations.
4. Physicians have discovered that a nightly dose of vitamin B12 can prevent reoccurring canker sores.

If you frequently experience canker sores while using a mouthguard, it’s advisable to consult a dentist. They can evaluate your oral health, provide personalized recommendations, and suggest alternative mouthguard options.

Reflexology Can Support Your Immune System

Reflexology therapy supports all eleven body systems by stimulating thousands of nerve endings to relax the body and to release toxins; by applying specific thumb and finger techniques on the thousands of pressure points on the feet, hand, and ears, Reflexology  encourages the body to release tension and encourage healing. Here are helpful tips to Build Your Immune System with Foot Reflexology

Reflexology Disclaimer

Reflexology does not replace traditional medicine. (Please check with your doctor if you have any concerns.) Reflexology can help achieve good health. However, you still have to do your part by maintaining good health through a healthy diet, exercising, recognizing your stress triggers, and minimizing or eliminating destructive behaviors.