Celiac can cause mouth ulcers

November 9, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have celiac disease and with it came mouth ulcers. Do I see my doctor about it or a dentist?

DEAR READER: The damage from celiac disease is caused by a reaction to consuming gluten, a product found in rye, barley, and wheat. Many oat manufacturers also process gluten-containing grains so products they market should be avoided unless they are certified as being gluten-free. The condition damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents absorption of nutrients properly. The lining of the intestines contain villi, protuberances that grow out from some mucous membranes (such as the lining of the small intestine). When a celiac patient consumes foods that contain gluten, the immune system reacts by damaging these villi. Left untreated, a person will eventually become malnourished.
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Woman suffers with mouth ulcers for 38 years

August 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: This isn’t a question; it’s more like a testimonial. I have been plagued with canker sores since I was 20 years old and five months’ pregnant. I have been hospitalized for dehydration and have been entered in the medical books with pictures of my mouth and throat. I had more than 250 ulcers at once.

I have been to the Mayo Clinic. I have seen approximately 80 doctors over the years, including a neurologist, oral surgeons, general practitioners and dermatologists. The medications have included dapsone, thalidomide, steroids, antibiotics and a smallpox inoculation.
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Oil pulling for mouth lesions?

January 12, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I just read your column about the woman with mouth ulcers, and I believe I have come across a little-known cure for just about all diseases of the mouth. Oil pulling! It works great and is not bad tasting, depending on the type of oil one uses.

I was diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease several years ago and was told to prepare myself for dentures because my teeth couldn’t be saved. I read an article in a magazine that my chiropractor gave me about oil pulling and did a little more research. Because I had nothing to lose, I started doing it every day, sometimes twice a day, and in less than a year, my periodontal disease has disappeared, my gums are healthy, and my teeth are clean and white.
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Alternative diagnosis, treatment for mouth ulcers

November 10, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in reference to the 46-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Behcet’s disease in Memphis, Tenn.

In my mid-40s, I kept having recurring mouth sores. I could have from two to 30 at a time. This made speech and eating difficult. I went to many doctors in the area (also in Memphis) and was diagnosed with many things, including mouth thrush, vitamin B deficiency, an ulcerated digestive system from mouth to anus and an allergic reaction to peanuts and fried foods.

No one could give me any relief, and everywhere I went, I received a different diagnosis.
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December 2, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have been meaning to send this home remedy long before I read your columns about cold and canker sores.

My mother had recurring cold sores on her lips but also frequently had canker sores in her mouth. I used to have frequent canker sores but have never had a cold sore.

Even though it does seem a lot of high acid foods can trigger canker sores, mine were often associated with being over tired or stressed.

The tried and true treatment for us was to dab powdered alum (from the seasoning section of the grocery store) on the tip of a damp finger and then apply it to the canker or cold sore. There is a brief intense tingling and bitterness from the application but relief is instant and for us the sores were usually gone within a day or two. I have even used this for a huge ¾ inch by ¾ inch sore in my throat. [Read more...]

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October 4, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My son had unexplained mouth sores for six months that broke out every three weeks. He saw a dentist and peridontist who were both unable to help. He was then referred to a dental school. Once there, the dentists immediately knew what the problem was. He was diagnosed with idiopathic cyclic neutropenia (low white blood cell levels). He underwent weekly blood tests for a few months to confirm the diagnosis but it was reassuring to know that the sores were not for lack of dental hygiene as we thought.

These types of sores are usually only seen in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy but some, like my son, don’t seem to have a reason for the neutropenia. He was also lucky that his neutropenia resolved on its own, but I have since found out there are some treatments available. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

September 19, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have had a great difficulty with mouth ulcers for the past three years. I‘ve seen a dentist, oral surgeons, ENT specialists, and general practitioners. I finally went to a local medical clinic when my mouth became so sore I couldn’t talk, only to be told by the doctor on call that he didn’t have any idea what the problem was. His recommendation was I should brush the inside of my cheeks, tongue, and all areas that had sores with an electric toothbrush, rinse with full strength peroxide, followed by a water rinse. He said it would burn like fire, but would help. I did this twice and the sores disappeared. I‘d already had negative testing for herpes, thrush and oral diseases, so I decided to give it a try. After following his direction, I no longer suffer for days waiting for the lesions to clear up. They’re gone in less than 24 hours. Perhaps this will help some of your readers. [Read more...]

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August 5, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
In a past column you responded to a reader whose daughter suffered from constant mouth sores. You told her to switch toothpastes and use Orajel and similar products. I agree with your recommendation of Orajel for short-term treatment.

I too suffered from canker/cold sores that never seemed to end. I tried every remedy suggested, including switching to a natural toothpaste. Nothing seemed to work until I, on a hunch, stopped eating acidic foods like orange juice, tomatoes, strawberries and more. Once I reduced the amount of acid I was taking in, the problem resolved.

A friend of mine also suffered from mouth sores but because of acid reflux, already had a limited intake of acidic foods. She went to her dentist who told her dab original red gel CloseUp [Read more...]

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July 2, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am responding to the person who suffered from painful canker sores for years. I, too, suffered for many years. One day I came across an article about stomach ulcers caused by aspirin sensitivity. I thought if it could cause stomach ulcers maybe it caused mouth ulcers as well so I eliminated all aspirin including that in throat lozenges and cold remedies. The canker sores disappeared shortly after and have not been back in more than 35 years.

DEAR READER:
I have not heard of aspirin causing mouth ulcers but it makes sense that if it can wear holes in the stomach of sensitive individuals it could most likely cause similar problems in the mouth. I am passing your letter on for my readers knowledge in the hopes that it will help others suffering as you (and the above writer‘s daughter) have.

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July 2, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My 18-year-old daughter has suffered with mouth ulcers for years. She has seen two ear-nose-and-throat specialists and a dermatologist with no results. One of the specialists diagnosed her with acid reflux despite her lack of symptoms. She has had a biopsy but it was normal. Her primary care physician suggested taking lysine and B vitamins and changing her brand of toothpaste but none made a difference. After reading some old home remedies in the library we found that swishing sauerkraut juice helped but only for a short time. We are both at our wits’ ends looking for a treatment or preventive therapy. She usually has an outbreak every month that consists of four to 10 ulcers at a time. Please help!

DEAR READER:
Let’s start with the acid reflux. If your daughter truly has acid reflux, she should be under the care of a gastroenterologist to determine if it caused by [Read more...]

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