They're so small that you hate to complain about them, but they can be extremely painful. They're canker sores, and when they're flaring in your mouth, they can make talking and eating miserable. Most of us don't experience canker sores until we're over the age of ten, and they tend to disappear by the time we're in our twenties. However, some adults continue to get them up to four times per year. Others may have sores almost continuously.
Research shows that women tend to develop cankers more often than men.
Some researchers have suggested that stress or small injuries in the mouth may encourage canker sores. Whenever you develop a canker, heeding the following advice may speed up the healing process. Brush, eat, and chew carefully to avoid irritating the canker. Don't eat foods that are acidic, difficult to chew, or abrasive to the sore. Try one of the many topical ointments available to relieve pain and promote healing.