Ailments and Situations - Ulcer - Causes - Canker

Canker

The cause of canker sores is unknown, but stress, nutrient deficiency, and food allergies (especially milk and gluten) play a significant role in recurrent cases.

Studies show that allergic mechanisms are involved in producing canker sores in many recurrent cases. These include food allergies and other allergens such as benzoic acid, methylparagen, dichromate, and sorbic acid.

Gluten sensitivity is a primary cause in several cases. There is also an increased frequency of canker sores in people with celiac disease. Further, a person with recurrent canker sores coupled with an allergy or gluten sensitivity is more likely to have a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

Stress is often a precipitating factor, as it can cause a breakdown in immune function and/or impair the integrity of the mucosal lining.

A number of nutrient deficiencies can lead to the formation of canker sores, with the most significant being thiamin (B₁). However, folic acid, iron, riboflavin (B₂), pyroxidine (B₆), or vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies can also cause cankers.