Mouth Sores

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Mouth Sores: Prevention

You can reduce your likelihood of getting common mouth sores by:

• Reducing stress. Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can help.
• Avoiding very hot foods or beverages.

To avoid mechanical irritation, also:

• See your dentist right away for a sharp or broken tooth or misfitting dentures.
• Chew slowly.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

If you seem to get canker sores often, talk to your doctor about taking folate and vitamin B12 to prevent such outbreaks.

Similarly, if you get cold sores often, taking L-lysine tablets or increasing lysine in your diet (found in fish, chicken, eggs, and potatoes) may help reduce outbreaks. However, if you have high cholesterol, heart disease, or high triglycerides, DO NOT use this supplement.

To prevent the spread of herpes lesions, DO NOT kiss or have oral sex with someone who has a cold sore or fever blister. Do not participate in these activities when you have an active cold sore. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your lips and use sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on your lips. Do not share razors, lip balm, toothbrushes, or lipsticks.

To prevent cancerous mouth lesions:

• Do not smoke or use other forms of tobacco.
• Limit alcohol use to no more than 2 drinks per day.
• Wear a lip balm with SPF 15 at all times.