Natural Relief for Painful Canker Sores

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) also known as recurrent canker sores is one of the most common oral conditions, according to Wikipedia, affecting approximately 10% of the American population.  While canker sores are so common, there has been surprisingly little research on natural treatments for the condition.  A recent study indicates vitamin B12 may be an effective natural treatment for recurrent painful canker sores.

Recurrent Canker Sores

Canker sores often start as a tingling or burning sensation where the future ulcer will appear, according to Wikipedia.  After a couple of days, a red bump often follows, which eventually becomes an open ulcer (canker sore).  Canker sores often appear as a white or yellow oval surrounded by a red, inflamed border.  Canker sores are often very painful, especially when it is aggravated by food or brushing.  Sometimes tooth pain can accompany canker sores, especially when the sore develops on your gums. 

B12 for Canker Sores

Dr. Ilia Volkov and colleagues at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev conducted the study.  One group of participants received 1,000 micrograms of B12 every night by mouth for six months while the other group of participants received a placebo every night for the duration of six months.  All of the participants were evaluated once a month during the study period. 

The researchers discovered that during the first four months of the study, the average number of ulcers, outbreaks, and duration of ulcers decreased for individuals in both groups.  However, only those who received vitamin B12 during the study experienced significantly decreased outbreaks, duration, and levels of pain from the canker sores during the fifth and sixth months of the research. 

In addition, while a significant number of individuals who received B12 during the study had no canker sores at the end of the study, only approximately one-third of those who received a placebo possessed no canker sores at the end of the research.  More specifically, while 74% of individuals who took B12 for six months had no canker sores at the end of the study period, only 32% of individuals who took the placebo had no canker sores at the sixth month evaluation. 

This study seems to indicate that vitamin B12 may be a safe and effective natural treatment option for preventing and treating canker sores.  If you decide to try B12 for your canker sores, please come back and let me know if it was effective for you. 

Sources:

Science Daily: Vitamin B12 Identified As An Effective Canker Sore Therapy, Study Suggests

Wikipedia: Aphthous Ulcer