Posted by plbear on September 26, 2001 at 16:00:03:

In Reply to: Mirage & kanker sores posted by Soremouth on September 25, 2001 at 17:27:43:

i used to have a chronic problem with canker sores...i would get them regularly, both before and after my apnea diagnosis.

i did a lot of research, and i found two suggestions which have made a HUGE difference -- i now get maybe one sore a year, and it's less painful and goes away more quickly.

here are the suggestions:

1) buy a toothpaste that does NOT contain sodium lauryl sulfate. this can be tough, because most toothpastes contain it. i use Rembrandt for Canker Sore Sufferers...it's expensive, but it has worked great for me. you can also find toothpastes in natural food stores which don't have SLS.

2) if i feel a canker sore coming on, i take lysine supplements -- you can buy them at any health food store, and probably many grocery stores. [note that although canker sores are NOT related to cold sores, there is anecdotal evidence that lysine helps reduce the severity and duration of both.]

the exact cause of canker sores (also known as apthous ulcers) is unknown, but damaged skin may be more susceptible. if your mask is causing your cheek/lip to rub against your teeth, you may be irritating the skin and increasing the risk for canker sores. you might try to find other ways to position your head on your pillow to reduce any pressure.

good luck!

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