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Q. I was excited to read about canker sores in your column. They are also called aphthous ulcers.
I have suffered for many years with extremely painful mouth ulcers. I read a magazine article that mentioned a study done at Ben-Gurion University in Israel. They found that patients given 1000 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 for a six-month period experienced a substantial decrease in break-outs or even a complete cure.
I have been on this regimen for six months to date, and if I experience any sore, it lasts for only one day, then disappears completely. I recommend that people who have recurrent canker sores check with the physician first, and then consider 1000 mcg of vitamin B12. It has made a major difference in my life. No more suffering, no more pain.
A. We tracked down the study you read about. It was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (Jan-Feb., 2009). The investigators used a sublingual (under the tongue) form of vitamin B12. They concluded, "Vitamin B(12) treatment, which is simple, inexpensive, and low-risk, seems to be effective for patients suffering from RAS [recurrent aphthous stomatitis, or canker sores], regardless of the serum vitamin B(12) level."
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I used to get canker sores easily, from citrus and some other fruits. Years ago I found out my vitamin B12 levels were low (long-time vegetarian) and started taking B12 supplements. I've noticed that I rarely get canker sores anymore, but I had no idea why. This explains it - thank you.
I am very excited to read the information about vitamin B12 and canker sores. I have suffered with them since I was about 5 (I'm now 40). I am wondering if there is any danger in taking too much vitamin B12. I noticed on my daily vitamins that the RDA for this vitamin is 6mcg per day and the study suggest 1000 mcg per day. Thanks so much!
Jennifer
I got canker sores off and on for most of my life. Haven't had a recurrence since being on B12.
I believe that it's best to take 1000 mcg B12 lozenges and let them dissolve sublingually for the best absorption of the vitamin.
The dental office I work informed us in a staff meeting that we should suggest patients with this problem stop using all toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate. This is the ingredient that causes toothpaste to foam and that is a main cause in ulcers. When I stopped using toothpaste with it my ulcers of weekly occurrence stopped.
When a tingling sensation starts in your mouth, immediately start taking (2) 500 mg L-Lysine tablets on the first day of a typical flare-up.
Take one tablet a day after the first dose until the mouth sores are gone. These tablets can be found over the counter in many places. Over time the frequency of the flare-outs will diminish. Lysine is an indispensable amino acid needed for the health of the skin and lips. Lysine also promotes immune function.
Many times, stress brings on these painful mouth ulcers. A virus is responsible for the outbreak.
Dr Oz just recently said to mix hydrogen peroxide half and half with water and apply to sore in mouth with a q-tip. After using all of the above I found this to be terrific, also so far, 3 weeks no return of issue.
My body does not absorb oral Vit B-12, I take 1000 mcgm by injection monthly. I have had two stress-induced nasal cold sores recently, which I've not had for several years. Don't know if that is related to canker sores.
I think I may have gotten the virus that causes cold sores from a dentist's office. I began to notice I would get a cold sore after a prolonged dental procedure such as a crown. I did not have cold sores during most of my life when I went to the same dentist (about 40 years and he did several crowns), I do not have much anxiety about going to the dentist because I had a very nice one for so many years, and I do not have much stress in my life.
At any rate, what do you suggest for dealing with a cold sore? I've used most OTC cold sore meds to no avail. In fact the most expensive OTC med prolonged the duration of the sore. Also I have not noticed much help from L Lysine. I take Vitamin B12 in a multi-vitamin. Should I take more of that? I am not a vegetarian; I get plenty of meat to eat. Is there an "old fashioned" treatment or this irksome virus? Thanks BRS
My daughter gets terrible canker sores in her mouth. So this is exciting information. Do you know if the B-12 vitamin purchased should be one that goes under the tongue, or can it be any type of B-12? Thanks.
What is a good way to easy the pain? It radiates to my chin, jaw and even ear.
I used get canker sores all the time, sometimes 2 or 3 at a time. I noticed that brushing my teeth with toothpaste that contains baking soda and peroxide along with avoiding eating anything with sharp corners (chips, cracker) diminished the occurrence substantially. It's been at least 2 years since getting one.
What forms of B-12 are there in dietary form that would satisfy taking 1000mcg daily?
Many years ago, my uncle told my dad to put vick's vapor rub on canker sores for pain relief and to lessen the amount of time that needed to for them to heal. Have been using it ever since with very good results. My uncle reviewed and approved applications for chemical patents and the US Patent office in DC.
I had no idea that vitamin B-12 helped get rid of canker sores. I have been plagued with them for many years and have tried all kinds of remedies. I know there are some toothpastes that can help prevent them as well.
I have noticed that if I get a canker sore that if I brush directly on it, it hurts like the dickens while brushing but then feels better afterword and disappears significantly faster.