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BEST LIFE, FEBRUARY 2008
Q: How Can I reduce the frequency of canker sores?
Your mouth is a barometer of your overall well-being, and canker sores are a particularly good indicator of excessive anxiety, poor nutrition, or lack of sleep. So step one is reducing the impact of these stressors on your life. You should also keep an eye on what you’re eating, as canker sores can be caused by acidic foods such as grapefruit and oranges, as well as chocolate and walnuts, which are rich in the amino acid arginine, which can irritate the lining of the mouth.
Steven M. Butensky, DDS
Dr. Butensky is director of aesthetic dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry.