What is the cause of ulcers and cold sores?

Question

Does oral hygiene contribute to reducing chance of getting ulcers and cold sores? Is it stress or diet related?

Answer 1

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus, and have nothing to do with oral hygiene.  Many of us already have the cold sore virus dormant in our bodies, and never have a flare up of cold sores.  We contracted it as children, as it is a very common virus, and children pick it up easily as they often share food and drinks, and may be less concerned about hand washing and hygiene.   Cold sores can be transmitted even when the person does not have a cold sore, though it is less likely to happen then.  Cold sores tend to flare up in times of stress or when your immune system is weakened such as after a cold.

Mouth ulcers, or canker ulcers, are different.  Unlike cold sores, you cannot spread canker sores to other people.   Anyone can get a canker sore, but women, teenagers, and young adults have them more often.  The cause of canker sores is unknown, but they tend to run in families. Canker sores may also develop when you:

Are stressed or tired.

Have your menstrual cycle, if you are a woman.

Hurt your mouth, such as biting your lip.

Have braces on your teeth.

Have food allergies. Eating foods that you are allergic to may cause you to get a canker sore.

Eat or drink food or juice that has a lot of acid, such as orange juice.

Do not get enough vitamins or minerals in your diet, such as iron.

These links should help.

http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Canker-Sore...

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-t...

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-t...

http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/ach...