Vitamin Deficiencies
Mouth problems, such as canker sores, are often caused by a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as vitamin B-12, iron, and zinc. These nutrients play a role in the health of the mucous membranes, and a deficiency in any of them can lead to canker sores.
A nightly dose of vitamin B12 is a simple, effective, low-risk therapy to prevent canker sores. In a recent study, participants who took a vitamin B12 supplement nightly experienced a significant reduction in the number of canker sores compared to those who did not take the supplement. In addition, a recent study found that a staggering 66% of mouth ulcer cases were also associated with lower-than-normal ferritin levels. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and is responsible for healthy cell growth, among other things.
Taking zinc lozenges may help prevent canker sores by boosting your immunity and controlling the growth of bacteria that cause canker sores. In addition, if you already have a canker sore, taking zinc may help speed up healing time.
