Why recurring canker sores are often framed as an immune “misfire,” what researchers think is happening (T cells, cytokines), and practical steps that may reduce outbreaks.

This winter my immune system went into overdrive (COVID plus a flu shot), and I got a monster canker sore on my uvula. Here is why that location hurts so much, what makes it hard to treat, and what to watch for.

Does a more acidic mouth make canker sores more likely? Here is what studies find about salivary pH in people with recurrent ulcers, plus practical, low-risk ways to support a healthier pH.

If you get recurring canker sores, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in toothpaste may be a trigger or irritant. Here is what studies show about SLS-free toothpaste, plus how to switch and what ingredients to look for.

A visual and practical guide to common mouth ulcers (canker sores, trauma, herpes, thrush, lichen planus, systemic disease, and oral cancer), how they look and feel, and when to seek medical care.

What the research says about vitamin B12, folate, and other B vitamins in recurrent canker sores, plus a practical, measured way to test and supplement.

When OTC gels and patches are not enough: chemical cautery, silver nitrate, dental lasers, prescription anti-inflammatories, and what is actually accessible in the US vs EU.

Why a super common condition still has no cure, with research and funding context, plus why patient stories matter.

Licorice root has a long history as a mouth-soothing herb. Here’s what it is, why it might help canker sores, how people use it, and what the clinical studies actually suggest.

A practical guide to common OTC canker sore options like numbing gels, protective liquids, patches, rinses, and oral pain relievers, plus what they do and when to seek help.

A collection of natural and traditional remedies people commonly try for canker sores, how they are used, and what they are trying to achieve (mostly soothing, not curing).

A clear explanation of what canker sores are, what they look and feel like, how long they last, when to worry, and how they differ from cold sores.

A personal note on living with recurring canker sores, and why this site exists.