Canker Sore Explainer

Canker sores are like tiny mouth volcanoes: small, painful,

and they show up uninvited. First: they’re NOT contagious. You can’t “ catch”

them like a cold. They’re usually an immune overreaction in the mouth’s soft

tissue. Tiny traumas often trigger them: cheek bites, sharp chips,

rough toothbrushes, or braces. Stress and poor sleep can raise the odds too—your

body gets more “ reactive.” Acidic or spicy foods, or even certain

toothpaste ingredients, can sometimes irritate your mouth. Low iron, folate,

or B12 can be linked in some cases. Most heal on their own in