Next Steps

Prevention

• Avoid anything that could cause trauma-even minor trauma-to the mouth, such as hard toothbrushes and rough foods.
  
  
• Avoid toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate if you tend to get canker sores.
  
  
• Do not talk while chewing.
  
  
• Have any irregular dental surfaces repaired.
  
  
• Hormonal factors can sometimes trigger an outbreak during the premenstrual phase. Oral contraceptives may be helpful in this regard.
  
  
• If you have a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12, make sure you are taking the appropriate supplements.

Outlook

Most people are minimally inconvenienced by canker sores, because attacks usually are infrequent and last only a matter of days.

• The more severe form, however, tends to last longer.
  
  
• As you age, canker sores may not return.