Why Do I Keep Getting Canker Sores?

If you experience canker sores frequently, you’re not alone. While the exact cause isn’t always known, several factors may increase your risk of developing these painful mouth ulcers. Understanding what may be triggering your canker sores can help you reduce future outbreaks and know when to seek professional evaluation.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that develop inside the mouth.

They commonly appear on:

• The inside of the cheeks
• The inside of the lips
• The tongue
• The floor of the mouth
• The soft palate

Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and are not caused by a virus.

Why Do Some People Get Canker Sores Repeatedly?

For many people, there isn’t one single cause.

Instead, recurring canker sores are often associated with several contributing factors working together.

Some people experience only an occasional sore, while others may develop them several times each year.

Minor Injuries to the Mouth

One of the most common triggers is minor trauma.

This may include:

• Accidentally biting your cheek or tongue
• Brushing too aggressively
• Irritation from braces or retainers
• Sharp or broken teeth
• Poorly fitting dentures

Even small injuries can sometimes trigger a canker sore in susceptible individuals.

Stress

Many people notice canker sores appear during periods of increased stress.

While stress doesn’t directly cause the sore, it may increase the likelihood of an outbreak in people who are prone to developing them.

Certain Foods

Some foods may irritate the tissues of the mouth or trigger sores in sensitive individuals.

Common examples include:

• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Pineapple
• Spicy foods
• Foods with sharp edges, such as chips

Not everyone is affected by the same foods.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Recurring canker sores have been associated with deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Iron

If sores occur frequently, your physician may recommend evaluating whether an underlying nutritional deficiency is contributing to the problem.

Hormonal Changes

Some people notice canker sores occur more often during periods of hormonal change.

Although the relationship isn’t fully understood, hormones may influence the body’s inflammatory response.

Medical Conditions

In some cases, frequent or unusually severe canker sores may be associated with certain medical conditions.

Although this is less common, persistent or recurrent sores should be evaluated, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms.

Can You Prevent Canker Sores?

Not every outbreak can be prevented.

However, you may be able to reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Avoiding foods that seem to trigger outbreaks
• Managing stress when possible
• Correcting sharp or broken teeth
• Wearing properly fitting dental appliances

Identifying your personal triggers may help decrease how often sores occur.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Occasional canker sores are common.

However, you should schedule an examination if:

• Sores last longer than two weeks.
• They occur very frequently.
• They are unusually large or painful.
• Eating or drinking becomes difficult.
• You’re unsure whether it’s actually a canker sore.

We’ll evaluate the sore, identify possible sources of irritation, and determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.

Our Total Oral Health Approach

At Total Dentistry, we don’t just look at the sore itself—we look for the reason it developed.

We evaluate:

• Sharp or damaged teeth
• Dental restorations
• Orthodontic appliances
• Gum health
• Other sources of irritation

Our goal is to identify and eliminate any dental factors that may be contributing to recurring mouth sores while supporting your long-term oral health.

The Bottom Line

Recurring canker sores are common and often result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause.

Minor injuries, stress, certain foods, nutritional deficiencies, and irritation inside the mouth may all contribute to outbreaks.

If you’re experiencing frequent canker sores or a sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, contact Total Dentistry to schedule an examination. We’ll help identify possible causes and recommend the most appropriate next steps.