The Science of CankerMelts

What is a Canker Sore?

Aphthous ulcers (more commonly known as canker sores) are an ulceration of the mucosal membrane in the mouth. Modern science has yet to pinpoint the exact cause but studies have linked stress, genetics and (for some people) triggering foods and/or chemicals. Often confused with cold sores (which are related to herpes and form on the lips or face) canker sores are not viral or contagious and form only inside the mouth.

Women are more likely than men to develop recurring aphthous ulcers and young adults suffer more frequently than older adults. Lacerations such as cuts from braces or accidental biting of the lip or cheek can also lead to canker sores. About 20% of people get recurring aphthous ulcers and more than 60% of people will develop a canker sore at least once in their lifetime. Canker sores typically form on the floor of the mouth, the cheeks, the tongue, or on the soft palate and last 1-2 weeks.

What Can You Do To Prevent Them?

Minimize stress: take time off to relax, eat right and get plenty of sleep.

Take care of your mouth: Brush and floss daily! Be careful when eating dry, crunchy foods. Any sharp, hard edges in your mouth can cause cuts that lead to canker sores. Also, excessive dryness of the mouth can lead to canker sores. For some people, triggering foods like nuts, spices, or food high in acidic content can lead to sores. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), found in some toothpastes, also seems to cause canker sores in some people.

What Makes CankerMelts Work So Well?

Glycyrrhiza (licorice root) extract and added ingredient collagen (a protein) have a soothing and healing effect on the painful canker sore. The all-natural patch of hydrophilic gums slowly dissolves in the mouth, releasing the active ingredient over 2-6 hours precisely in the afflicted area. The absence of any chemical adhesives ensures that there will be no damage to the mucosal lining of the mouth that could potentially cause more painful sores.

Interested in Learning More About Glycyrrhiza? Browse the Links Below:

Summary of Medicinal Properties of Glycyrrhiza
Glycyrrhiza Info in Healthnotes Online
Glycyrrhiza Info at Nature's Life Online

Read Abstracts of Clinical Trials Testing CankerMelts:

Read Abstracts of Clinical Trials at the University of Washington
Read Abstracts of Clinical Trials published in Journal of Dental Research